SEATTLE, Wash. -- As the days get warmer, we look forward to gardening and playing outdoors. But this is also a time to be aware of the threats of Mother Nature. If you live in the mountains or in Alaska, you know that spring ice break-up can cause major problems. Those living in the rest of the Northwest can expect lots of rain, with an ever-present threat of severe storms and flooding.

It only takes a couple of inches of rainfall to create a potential for flooding, and with the snow pack at high-than-normal levels, some communities could be seriously threatened.

FEMA Preparedness and Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help people get ready for the challenges of April showers.

First and foremost on the list is to get flood insurance. The average cost of flood insurance is about $750 a year. You do not have to live in a flood plain to get flood insurance. In fact, the rates for lower-risk properties are correspondingly lower. It’s a good idea to buy insurance now, while the sun is still shining, because there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy can take effect. When the waters are rising, it’ll be too late to purchase a policy.

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

Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.

Anchor your fuel tanks. An unanchored tank in your basement can be torn free by floodwaters and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream, where it can damage other houses.

Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above your home's projected flood elevation.

Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.

If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

Call 1-888-379-9531 (TTY: 800-427-5593) or visit www.FloodSmart.gov to learn more about potential flood risks, how to buy flood insurance, and how to prepare for floods.

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

SALEM, Ore. -- Once the January 2012 storms were over and floodwaters receded, Oregon faced a massive--and expensive--cleanup and rebuilding process.

Much of that work falls to local governments. They must marshal first responders during a disaster, clear out tons of debris, and repair and rebuild damaged public property.

After a major disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance (PA) program is available to help. PA dollars benefit everyone.

PA money can be used to 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 between the state, local authorities and the federal government,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont.

“FEMA pays up 75 percent of the eligible cost of putting a community back on its feet. The applicant is responsible for the remaining 25 percent,” said Oregon’s State Coordinating Officer Paulina Layton.

Public Assistance is available to state government agencies, local and county governments, and private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services.

Twelve Oregon counties recently were designated eligible to receive all categories of public assistance: Benton, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Tillamook.

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.

SEATTLE, Wash. -- National Tsunami Preparedness Week begins March 25, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Washington Emergency Management Division (WA-EMD) urge all citizens who live along coastlines to take the threat of tsunamis seriously.

"Historical evidence shows that the West Coast has suffered many devastating tsunamis in the past," said FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. "We do not know when the next earthquake or tsunami will take place, but it will depend on our collective and individual preparedness to reduce our vulnerability. It is imperative," he continued, "that individuals and families have an emergency plan and practice it. Getting together as a family to talk about what to do before, during and after a disaster could make the difference between becoming a victim or a survivor."

For advice on how to prepare for a tsunami and what to do to escape, see the Tsunami Preparedness video at www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/haz video tsunami preparedness.shtml.

In some communities, traditional evacuations are not always an option. FEMA led the development of a new approach to dealing with this challenge called Tsunami Vertical Evacuation. Watch the video on how to use this new approach at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h26_DUKMzA&feature=plcp&context=C4b3cbccVDvjVQa1PpcFOpYEg5AIvGaNpX66f-qtgoudA_HG7aTUQ%3D. This video was developed by FEMA RiskMap, FEMA Region X, WA-EMD, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP).

"Tsunamis threaten all Pacific shorelines," warned Jim Mullen, Director, WA-EMD. "We need to continue strengthening our efforts to improve our tsunami alert systems for distant tsunamis and continue aggressive public education programs that protect our citizens during local tsunamis. The risk to life is too high for people to do otherwise. Now is the time to take all the necessary measures, before it happens."

Here are a few simple tips to remember.

Be Aware of Nature's Warnings

• Drop, cover, and hold until the earthquake shaking stops.
• If you are on the coast and the earthquake shaking is hard or lasts over 20 seconds, the sea begins to recede, the water level rises rapidly or there is a loud roar from the sea, IMMEDIATELY move to higher ground or inland—preferably to 100 feet in elevation or a mile from the coast—or to the highest floor of a sturdy building, and STAY there.

What to do during a Tsunami Warning for Your Area

• Keep calm.
• Immediately move to your local tsunami shelter area using defined tsunami evacuation routes. If there are no evacuation routes defined, move to higher ground a mile inland or to the highest floor of a sturdy building, and STAY there.
• If you are already in a safe location, STAY there.
• Move on foot when possible. Do not drive. Keep roads open and clear for emergency vehicles.
• Pay attention to NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio and/or local broadcasts for changes and/or updates in tsunami alerts.
• Stay away from the coast and low-lying areas until local officials say it's safe to return to the warned area.

Tsunami warnings for distant tsunamis are broadcast over television and radio and by beach lifeguards, community sirens, text message alerts, National Weather Service tsunami warning center Web sites, and on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards; however, earthquake shaking on the coast may be the only warning preceding a tsunami.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or news broadcasts for changes in tsunami alerts.

This week should serve as a crucial reminder for all to take the time to get prepared before disaster strikes. The time to learn is now.

Visit www.ready.gov and www.tsunami.gov for additional information.

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Oregon to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of January 17-21, 2012.

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 the severe winter storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the counties of Benton, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Tillamook.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Dolph A. Diemont has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Diemont said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's major disaster declaration issued for Oregon.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local, Tribal Governments Can Include as Required:

• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

• Application procedures for local, tribal and state governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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.

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.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's major disaster declaration issued for the State of Alaska.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

• Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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.

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 Alaska to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm during the period of November 15-17, 2011.

The President's action makes federal funding 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 the severe storm in Kenai Peninsula Borough.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Willie G. Nunn has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Nunn 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, 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.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to Alaska and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms and flooding during the period of November 8-10, 2011.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible tribal and 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 winter storms and flooding in the North Slope Borough, the Bering Strait Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), the Lower Kuskokwim REAA, the Lower Yukon REAA, and the Southwest Region REAA

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Willie G. Nunn has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Nunn said that 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.

Whole Community Answers to Pacific NW Wildfire Threats

Release Date: July 7, 2011
Release Number: R10-11-023

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Wildfire experts and weather specialists have predicted a low-risk, late-starting wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest this summer, but emergency managers caution against complacency. As tall grasses and foliage dry out -- the likelihood of brush, range and timber fires increases, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, even a mild wildfire season -- and there are never any guarantees -- begs the question: What if it's your woods that are burning?

"An informed, responsible and committed public can play a major role in safeguarding property and saving lives. Our firefighters are well-trained, well-resourced and totally dedicated -- but they can't do it alone," said Murphy. "Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with various access and functional needs."

Murphy encourages all homeowners to exercise extreme caution with grills, campfires, trash fires and other heat sources, and to embrace the commonsense commitment to pre-disaster wildfire preparedness accepted in more traditionally recognized wildfire-prone areas. "Talk with your local fire department or forestry office," said Murphy. "Stay abreast of local burn bans and changing weather conditions. Talk with your neighbors. After all, a community is only as safe as its least prepared member."

Commonsense wildfire preparedness measures include creating a Safety Zone or Defensible Perimeter:

• Establish firebreaks around the perimeter of structures, power poles and property.
• Cut back flammable weeds and brush, and remove branches within 15 feet of the ground.
• Mow regularly and rake leaves, limbs and twigs.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants.
• Keep roofs, chimneys and gutters clean.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor, and near sleeping areas.
• Stack firewood away from your home. Store combustible materials only in approved containers.
• Keep fire tools (shovel, rake, water bucket and ladders) handy.
• Clear overgrowth from house numbers and street signs
• Clear driveways and access roads so fire vehicles have room to maneuver.
• Plan and rehearse family evacuation plans.
• Don't overlook adequate insurance coverage. Sit down with your insurance agent and make sure that coverage is still adequate and up to date for the hazards you face.

It is also smart to keep important personal documents quickly available should you need to evacuate. Consider collecting your driver's license, passport and other identification, birth and marriage certificates, Social Security card, insurance policies, tax records, wills, deed or lease and stocks and bonds. Also know where your main turn-off switches and valves are for electricity, water and gas.

Evacuation kit contents should include:

• Flashlights.
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit.
• Medicines, prescriptions and eyeglasses.
• Water.
• Change of clothes.
• Sleeping bags and pillows.

FEMA's Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. For more information on protecting your family and your home from wildfires, go to: www.usfa.fema.gov, www.firewise.org, or www.fema.gov. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov,  Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse 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.