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Windsor, Conn. -- Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are clearing up some misconceptions about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers federally-backed flood insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the program.
“The NFIP is a critical component to help homeowners and businesses recover from flood damage,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. De Blasio, Sr. “The more that people know about it and utilize it, the easier it will be for them to rebuild their homes and communities.”
More than 20,000 communities participate in the NFIP nationwide, which is administered by FEMA but whose policies are sold through private insurance agents and companies throughout the country.
More than 25 percent of claims paid are from areas at medium or low risk of flooding. In these areas, NFIP flood insurance can be purchased for as little as $129 a year to insure a building and its contents, or $49 for contents only. Homes can be insured against flood damage for up to $250,000 and commercial buildings insured for up to $500,000.
Policies can be written to include contents coverage up to $100,000 for homes and $500,000 for business owners. Renters can insure their personal property for up to $100,000. The average homeowner pays about $600 a year for flood insurance, which pays claims even if a disaster is not declared by the president.
Since 1973, the NFIP has paid nearly $40 billion dollars in flood insurance claims, helping hundreds of thousands of families and businesses recover from floods.
To locate an agent who sells flood insurance in your area, call 888-379-9531 or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm and snowstorm during the period of October 29-30, 2011.
Federal funding is available to commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and snowstorm in the counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Worcester.
In addition, assistance is available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in the counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties in the commonwealth.
Mark H. Landry has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Landry said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WINDSOR, Conn. -- Some consider Tropical Storm Irene and the recent severe storm of Oct. 29-30 to have been among Connecticut’s worst weather events in 50 years. Although we should all be prepared for the next disaster, senior citizens and their friends and relatives should be especially aware of emergency preparedness best practices. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourage Connecticut residents to make sure their senior relatives, neighbors, and friends are prepared for emergencies.
Some of the concerns seniors can face during disasters include:
Visual impairments - Seniors with visual impairments may be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster.
Hearing impairments - Those with impaired hearing may need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
Mobility impairments - Individuals with challenges moving may need special assistance to get to a shelter. Persons using mobility devices, such as wheelchairs or scooters, should be sure their caretakers know how to operate required, equipment including automobile chair lifts.
Special dietary needs - Seniors with special diet requirements should take precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
Medical conditions - Seniors with medical conditions such as diabetes should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
Cognitive challenges - Some seniors may need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter. When severe weather is anticipated, individuals with dementia and other cognitive challenges can experience heightened confusion. In preparation for disasters, seniors with dementia should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program. Visit: Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program.
Additionally, seniors should:
- Make provisions for medications that require refrigeration;
- Maintain a list of the type and model numbers of required medical devices;
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify challenges;
- Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and co-workers who can help in an emergency;
- Maintain a contact list of individuals who can be relied upon to help during an emergency;
- Ask residential building management to mark accessible exits clearly and to help make arrangements for safe departure from the building in an emergency; and
- Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions and food for service animals.
Visit www.Ready.gov for FEMA disaster preparedness information for seniors:
www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html.
Visit www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf for disaster preparedness information for individuals with disabilities and other special needs.
Officials encourage people to check in on their senior neighbors. Ask senior relatives if emergency preparedness concerns have been addressed. Check with local community leaders to find out if they know of someone who could use assistance preparing for or responding to the next disaster.
Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Connecticut and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe storm during the period of October 29-30, 2011.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all counties in the State of Connecticut.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Stephen M. De Blasio Sr. has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Hampshire and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe storm during the period of October 29-30, 2011.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all ten counties in the State of New Hampshire.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe storm during the period of October 29-30, 2011.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Mark H. Landry has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
| BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Homeowners who had basement flooding from Tropical Storm Irene are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, because FEMA grants may cover uninsured damage. For damage FEMA cannot cover, a low-interest disaster loan may provide needed funds to pay for repair.
After an individual registers with FEMA an inspector visits and records damage, including the basement and items that may be located there, such as a water heater, furnace, electrical panel box, washing machine and dryer. FEMA may be able to provide a grant for repairs or replacement if these items were damaged by flooding. Disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may help homeowners or renters with other repair or replacement costs.
FEMA makes grants to cover basic needs. In situations where families do not use their basements as an essential living space, FEMA’s ability to help with repairs to the basement itself may be limited. However, if there is a bedroom in the basement that is regularly occupied by a household member, and there is no substitute room available upstairs, the basement most likely would be deemed essential living space—and therefore eligible for a grant to help with repairs. Again, a loan from SBA may be available to cover costs that FEMA cannot.
State and federal disaster officials encourage everyone with losses from Irene to register with FEMA: by phone 800-621-FEMA (3362); online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smartphone at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.
For damage not covered by insurance or a FEMA grant, SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair the borrower’s home. Homeowners and renters can also use SBA loans to replace up to $40,000 of personal property.
Completing the SBA loan application is a crucial step in the recovery process. Those who do not qualify for a loan may be eligible for additional FEMA grant assistance.
For more information contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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| CONCORD, N.H. – Recovering from Tropical Storm Irene may offer some New Hampshire residents an opportunity to rebuild smarter, safer and stronger.
“Some ways of responding to a major disaster like the storms and flooding that struck New Hampshire are better than others,” said Albie Lewis, federal coordinating officer. “Rebuilding to reduce flood damage the next time is a smart thing to do.”
For example, if your heating fuel tank – oil or propane – is not secured strongly enough to prevent movement, it should be. It also is important that the filler and vent tubes be above the 100-year flood level. Fuel tanks, whether inside or outside, can be easily and inexpensively anchored.
Another mitigation measure is to install backflow valves on all pipes that leave the house or that are connected to equipment that is below the potential flood level. The valves may be needed on washing machine drain lines, laundry sinks, rain downspouts and sump pumps, as well as sewer or septic connections.
To prevent damage in future flooding, all electrical system components should be raised at least one foot above the 100-year flood level. This is less costly if you already have to replace wall paneling because access by an electrician is much easier when the walls are stripped to the framework.
If floors and walls have to be replaced, use materials resistant to flood damage. These include concrete, tile, vinyl flooring, pressure-treated wood and cold-formed steel. Brick, slate, glass block and stone also are resistant to water damage, as is foam and closed-cell insulation, marine plywood and polyester or epoxy paint.
Finally, if a dwelling is substantially damaged, make sure that the lowest floor of the structure is elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
Always remember to contact your local building code official to obtain all necessary permits before any repairs take place.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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| WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available to the State of Maine to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Tropical Storm Irene during the period of August 27-29, 2011.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in Franklin, Oxford, and York Counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully completed.
Lewis said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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| WESTFIELD, Mass. -- When disaster strikes, the first reaction is to address personal and family safety issues, followed by a concern for material losses. There is a federal disaster program -- Individual Assistance (IA) -- that responds to the urgent needs of individuals and business owners. There is another equally important element of disaster recovery that is not so widely known -- Public Assistance (PA).
Communities and governmental entities in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire with damage and losses from Tropical Storm Irene, are eligible for PA under the declaration issued by President Obama on September 3 for Massachusetts.
The PA program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is assistance that addresses an entire community but usually not in the immediate and direct way that Individual Assistance programs do.
FEMA's PA benefits everyone -- neighborhoods, cities and states. PA dollars clean up the community, repair bridges, put water systems and utilities back in order, rebuild libraries and replace damaged books, repair hospitals and emergency services, rebuild schools and universities and restore damaged public parks so that families can enjoy them again.
"FEMA Public Assistance dollars come to the community through a partnership of cost-sharing between the state, local authorities and the federal government," says FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. "FEMA picks up 75 percent of the eligible cost of putting a community back on its feet."
Types of entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:
•State government agencies;
•Local and county governments;
•Private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services
PA grants are available to cover costs in seven work categories:
1.Category A: debris removal
2.Category B: emergency protective measures
3.Category C: road systems and bridges
4.Category D: water control facilities
5.Category E: public buildings, contents and equipment
6.Category F: utilities
7.Category G: parks and recreational
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available to State of Vermont to supplement the commonwealth and local response efforts in the area due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irene beginning on August 26, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the entire state.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Craig A. Gilbert has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available to Commonwealth of Massachusetts to supplement the commonwealth and local response efforts in the area due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irene beginning on August 26, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the entire commonwealth.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. | |
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