FEMA

March 15, 2010 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As one of the snowiest winter seasons in many years yields to warmer weather and the promise of rain and snowmelt, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) FloodSmart Campaign and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that they are again working together during Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 15-19) to raise awareness of the dangers associated with flooding and steps to protect against damage.    » read more »

FEMA urges South Dakotans to be prepared

March 4, 2010 -- DENVER - As spring approaches, South Dakota communities are once again preparing for the possibility of flooding. FEMA Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help people get ready for flood waters.

First and foremost on the list is to get flood insurance. In South Dakota, the average cost of flood insurance is about $685 a year. Since 1978, state residents have collected almost $17 million in insurance reimbursements.

It’s the first thing to do because there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy can take effect. If the waters are rising, it may be too late to file a flood insurance claim.

Other steps you can take to protect your family and your property include:    » read more »

January 25, 2010 -- The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Arizona and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm beginning on January 20, 2010, and continuing.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On January 18, Americans will volunteer in a Day of Service to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., transforming the federal holiday into a national day of volunteerism where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to strengthen their community. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages volunteerism and civic engagement for all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience through its Citizen Corps program.    » read more »

January 8, 2010 -- NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Residents of Virginia who sustained flooding damages from the November nor’easter / the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida and who had insurance policies backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have an additional 15 days to file their proofs of loss. This extension is being granted in recognition of the difficulties that NFIP policy holders may have encountered while trying to schedule meetings with adjusters and contractors during the Holiday Season.    » read more »

December 8, 2009 -- NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) recently announced more than $7.3 million in public assistance grants to fund work necessary to help restore three Katrina-damaged harbors, ports and locks throughout southeast Louisiana.

“This funding supports various types of permanent work necessary to restore crucial structures that support Louisiana’s waterways,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office Acting Director Tony Russell. “Navigational channels and their subsequent facilities are essential aspects of this area’s way of life – economically, industrially and recreationally speaking.”    » read more »

Dec 01, 2009 -- BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal issued a letter to the President and FEMA requesting a major disaster presidential declaration for Louisiana as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that affected some northern and western areas of the state from October 29 to November 3, 2009

Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Through:

Gary Jones
Acting Regional Administrator
FEMA Region VI
800 North Loop 288
Denton, TX 76209-3698

Dear Mr. President:    » read more »

November 28, 2009 -- Pago Pago, AS -- Monday, Nov. 30, is the final day for American Samoa residents to apply for disaster assistance and return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application for damages or losses caused by the Sept. 29 earthquake, tsunami and flooding. Registration ends at 5 p.m. today, Nov. 30, 2009 at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Registrations cannot be accepted after the deadline. The registration Helpline is 633-3720.

Although FEMA will not be accepting registrations after the Nov. 30 deadline, a Service Center at the Convention Center in Utulei will open on Dec. 7, 2009 to answer questions and accept outstanding documentation. SBA representatives will also be located at the Service Center.    » read more »

November 16, 2009 -- PAGO PAGO, AS -- Fraud is a rare occurrence during disaster recovery. However, if it does occur, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a responsibility to take action.

People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money away from those who truly need assistance. FEMA must ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This may include prosecuting anyone who makes a fraudulent claim.

Most cases where possible fraud is detected are not deliberate attempts to defraud the federal government. FEMA recommends that applicants receiving grant money keep receipts to show how funds were used.    » read more »

November 12, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that more than $1.3 million in federal and state funds have been identified and are in final approval for disaster recovery efforts for the City of Cedar Rapids.

“Repairing the infrastructure of our state to smooth the way for a solid recovery continues to be a primary job of this office and all involved in the flood recovery,” said Governor Culver. “We will work with all of our partners to ensure that Cedar Rapids and every jurisdiction in Iowa receive all of the disaster aid they are eligible to receive.”    » read more »

Nov 9, 2009 -- LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has declared Arkansas, Boone, Bradley, Calhoun, Carroll, Chicot, Cleburne, Cleveland, Columbia, Conway, Cross, Dallas, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Grant, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Logan, Lonoke, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Sharp, St. Francis, Union, Van Buren, White and Woodruff Counties state disaster areas due to the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of October 29.    » read more »

October 26, 2009 -- ATLANTA, Ga. -- Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. And being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

While emergency preparedness is ongoing at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it's also an individual responsibility.

“You should be prepared to take care of yourself and members of your family for the first 72 hours – that’s three days – following a disaster such as a hurricane or the September flooding across Georgia,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “A big part of disaster preparation is knowledge and the state has developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness guide that is available online.”    » read more »

October 19, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate swore in Richard Serino as FEMA Deputy Administrator at a ceremony at Boston’s Faneuil Hall.

Prior to joining FEMA, Serino served as Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Assistant Director for the Boston Public Health Commission. In that role, he helped bolster the city’s response plans for chemical, biological, and radiological attacks and other emergency incidents. He brings 35 years of state and local emergency management and emergency medical services experience to the position.    » read more »

Secures $4 Million for the Fort Madison Bridge and Funding for FEMA and Disaster Mitigation Projects

Washington, Oct 19 - Congressman Loebsack secured critical investments for Iowa in the FY 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The bill makes critical investments in disaster funding, including funding for FEMA management, disaster relief, and flood map modernization, and disaster relief loans.

The bill also makes critical improvements in securing vital infrastructure such as aviation systems, ports, and surface transit while also including aid for our brave first responders.    » read more »

Submits Strengthening and Updating Resources and Equipment Act of 2009

October 16, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy today introduced legislation that will allow first responders to maintain the capabilities necessary to prepare and protect their communities against acts of terrorism and other emergencies. The Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Bennie Thompson, joined Kilroy in cosponsoring the Strengthening and Updating Resources and Equipment Act (SURE Act) of 2009.    » read more »