FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Gallup Organization Agrees to Pay $10.5 Million to Settle Allegations That It Improperly Inflated Contract Prices and Engaged in Prohibited Employment Negotiations with Fema Official
FEMA Official Also Settles with the United States
The Justice Department announced today that the Gallup Organization has agreed to pay $10.5 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Procurement Integrity Act for conduct involving several of its federal government contracts and subcontracts. Gallup is a polling and market research firm headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations in a complaint filed by the United States in November 2012. The United States’ complaint alleged that Gallup knowingly overstated its true estimated labor hours in proposals to the U.S. Mint and State Department for contracts and task orders that were to be awarded without competition. Because of Gallup’s conduct, the complaint alleged, the two federal agencies awarded Gallup contracts and task orders at falsely inflated prices. The settlement also resolves allegations that Gallup engaged in improper employment negotiations with a then Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official, Timothy Cannon, in order to obtain a FEMA subcontract at an inflated price and additional FEMA funding after the subcontract had been awarded.
"Contractors must be honest and straightforward in their contract proposals to the government," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "We will pursue contractors that seek to take advantage of the government by providing estimates that do not reflect their best judgment, or by offering employment to federal officials who have a conflict of interest. This type of misconduct results in inflated contract prices and undermines the integrity of the government’s contracting process."
Separately, in April 2013, Cannon agreed to pay $40,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that he violated the Procurement Integrity Act by improperly negotiating for and accepting an offer of employment from Gallup while being personally and substantially involved in Gallup’s subcontract with FEMA. In related criminal proceedings, on January 15, 2013, Cannon pled guilty to a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 208, a federal conflict of interest statute, and was subsequently sentenced to probation.
"This case exposed a cozy arrangement between a contractor and a government employee where nobody was looking out for the American taxpayer," said Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. "With this settlement, we have held the contractor accountable for overbilling the government and returned $10.5 million to the federal treasury. This significant corporate settlement and the related criminal prosecution should send a clear message that contractors and government officials alike must operate with honor and integrity."
The False Claims Act allegations against Gallup were originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the Act by Michael Lindley, Gallup’s former Director of Client Services. The False Claims Act prohibits the submission of false claims for government money or property and allows the United States to recover treble damages and penalties for a violation. Under the Act’s whistleblower provisions, a private party may file suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The United States may elect to intervene and take over the case, as it did here. As a result of the settlement with Gallup, Lindley will receive $1,929,363 as his share of the government’s recovery.
The settlement announced today is part of a global civil, criminal, and administrative resolution involving the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After the United States’ civil complaint was filed, DHS, the parent organization of FEMA, suspended Gallup from government contracting. In contemplation of resolving the criminal and civil investigations, Gallup recently entered into an Administrative Agreement with DHS, under which Gallup agreed to enhance its corporate compliance and ethics programs. As a result, DHS lifted the suspension of Gallup. Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Gallup has entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia related to the FEMA conflict of interest allegations, in which Gallup has further agreed to strengthen its corporate compliance and ethics programs and to pay a penalty of $50,000.
The criminal investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Inspectors General for DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA).
The Deputy Inspector General for the Department of State, Harold W. Geisel, said, "We are very pleased with the successful resolution of this case, and I commend the dedication of our OIG investigators in these complicated investigations. Our efforts should reinforce our commitment to American taxpayers to recover funds from contractors who have unlawfully claimed them."
P. Brian Crane, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, Treasury Office of Inspector General, would like to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and all agents involved in this case, and states that his office is committed to investigating contract fraud within Treasury’s bureaus, and is pleased with the outcome of this investigation.
"We are vigilant to protect taxpayers from contractors who overcharge the government," said GSA Inspector General Brian D. Miller.
The claims asserted in the government’s complaint are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Showing posts with label FEMA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FEMA. Show all posts
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
NEW JERSEY RECEIVED $5.3 BILLION ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF
FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
New Jersey Recovery From Superstorm Sandy: By The Numbers
Main Content
Release date: JULY 15, 2013
Release Number: 4086-189
TRENTON, N.J. -- Disaster assistance to New Jersey survivors of Superstorm Sandy by the numbers as of July 15:
Total Federal Assistance: $5.3 billion
$3.5 billion in total National Flood Insurance Program payments made on claims to date
$403.3 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
$351 million for housing assistance
$56.6 million for other needs
$804.7 in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
$673 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to state agencies, local communities and certain private nonprofit organizations that serve the public
261,817 people contacted FEMA for help or information
126,797 housing inspections completed
New Jersey Recovery From Superstorm Sandy: By The Numbers
Main Content
Release date: JULY 15, 2013
Release Number: 4086-189
TRENTON, N.J. -- Disaster assistance to New Jersey survivors of Superstorm Sandy by the numbers as of July 15:
Total Federal Assistance: $5.3 billion
$3.5 billion in total National Flood Insurance Program payments made on claims to date
$403.3 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
$351 million for housing assistance
$56.6 million for other needs
$804.7 in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
$673 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to state agencies, local communities and certain private nonprofit organizations that serve the public
261,817 people contacted FEMA for help or information
126,797 housing inspections completed
FEMA, NAACP HAVE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FEMA Announces Memorandum of Agreement with the NAACP
Main Content
Release date: JULY 12, 2013
Release Number: HQ-13-073
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) President and CEO Benjamin Jealous signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the NAACP’s 104th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The Agreement will expand outreach to traditionally underserved communities through the NAACP network of more than 200,000 members. Through the MOA, FEMA and the NAACP have joined forces to ensure the needs of underrepresented communities are more fully incorporated into disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation-related activities. The two agencies also will share information such as lessons learned, best practices and training resources, to improve community resilience.
“As a nation, our resiliency depends on our ability to work together to empower communities as part of the emergency management team before, during and after a disaster,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Today’s agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between FEMA and the NAACP, and leverages both institutions’ resources and networks to improve the ‘Whole Community’s’ disaster preparedness, response and recovery.”
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with FEMA to ensure all communities are prepared when confronted with an emergency,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “This is a critical step toward providing underrepresented communities the tools and training they need to respond and recover after disasters.”
“From the Deepwater Horizon Incident, to the 2011 Tornadoes in Alabama, to Superstorm Sandy, we have seen the worst and best of disproportionate impact of disaster on marginalized communities and inspiring community resilience. Communities have been devastated by loss of life, property, culture and more,” said Jealous. “While at the same time there have been awesome examples of communities coming together to build stronger neighborhoods with cooperation between community members and equity and justice based allocation of resources. With this partnership we will work together to improve the ability of emergency management systems to serve people on the margins as well as strengthen community resilience,” said Jealous.
The NAACP has been an active member of the emergency management team through collaborative efforts including: NAACP senior leadership participation on FEMA’s National Advisory Council, hosting emergency preparedness engagement activities at the NAACP Annual Convention, and NAACP staff training on emergency management and community preparedness. The Agreement strengthens the “whole community” approach to emergency management and will greatly improve communities’ access to information to help individuals, families and communities stay safe before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
More information and resources for helping communities prepare for a disaster are available at www.CitizenCorps.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.
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 - 16:19
FEMA Announces Memorandum of Agreement with the NAACP
Main Content
Release date: JULY 12, 2013
Release Number: HQ-13-073
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) President and CEO Benjamin Jealous signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the NAACP’s 104th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The Agreement will expand outreach to traditionally underserved communities through the NAACP network of more than 200,000 members. Through the MOA, FEMA and the NAACP have joined forces to ensure the needs of underrepresented communities are more fully incorporated into disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation-related activities. The two agencies also will share information such as lessons learned, best practices and training resources, to improve community resilience.
“As a nation, our resiliency depends on our ability to work together to empower communities as part of the emergency management team before, during and after a disaster,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Today’s agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between FEMA and the NAACP, and leverages both institutions’ resources and networks to improve the ‘Whole Community’s’ disaster preparedness, response and recovery.”
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with FEMA to ensure all communities are prepared when confronted with an emergency,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “This is a critical step toward providing underrepresented communities the tools and training they need to respond and recover after disasters.”
“From the Deepwater Horizon Incident, to the 2011 Tornadoes in Alabama, to Superstorm Sandy, we have seen the worst and best of disproportionate impact of disaster on marginalized communities and inspiring community resilience. Communities have been devastated by loss of life, property, culture and more,” said Jealous. “While at the same time there have been awesome examples of communities coming together to build stronger neighborhoods with cooperation between community members and equity and justice based allocation of resources. With this partnership we will work together to improve the ability of emergency management systems to serve people on the margins as well as strengthen community resilience,” said Jealous.
The NAACP has been an active member of the emergency management team through collaborative efforts including: NAACP senior leadership participation on FEMA’s National Advisory Council, hosting emergency preparedness engagement activities at the NAACP Annual Convention, and NAACP staff training on emergency management and community preparedness. The Agreement strengthens the “whole community” approach to emergency management and will greatly improve communities’ access to information to help individuals, families and communities stay safe before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
More information and resources for helping communities prepare for a disaster are available at www.CitizenCorps.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.
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 - 16:19
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
FEDERAL DISASTER AID PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOLLOWING DISASTER DECLARATION FOR STATE OF MONTANA
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Federal Aid Programs for the State of Montana Declaration
Main Content
Release date: JULY 10, 2013
Release Number: HQ-13-072Factsheet
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's disaster declaration issued for the State of Montana.
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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
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 state, tribal and 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.
Federal Aid Programs for the State of Montana Declaration
Main Content
Release date: JULY 10, 2013
Release Number: HQ-13-072Factsheet
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's disaster declaration issued for the State of Montana.
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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
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 state, tribal and 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.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
DISASTER ASSISTANCE TOPS $17.5 MILLION FOR OKLAHOMA
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
OKLAHOMA CITY – Disaster assistance for Oklahoma now tops $17.5 million, just one month after a federal disaster declaration for the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that started hammering the state on May 18.
Nearly 12,000 households in six designated counties have applied for assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the storms of May 18 through June 2. The designated counties are Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.
"Everywhere we look, we see positive change," said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten. "Survivors, businesses and communities continue to clean up, rebuild and move forward in their recovery."
"We report disaster assistance in dollars," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman. "But we measure success in recovery by how far we’ve bounced back."
Recovery takes a team effort that involves many people and organizations—survivors, faith-based and voluntary agencies, as well as the business community, local jurisdictions, OEM and FEMA.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECOVERY OPERATION: More than $9.2 million in disaster assistance under the Individuals and Households Program has been approved for qualified homeowners and renters. This includes more than $6.5 million in Housing Assistance and more than $2.7 million in Other Needs Assistance.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $8.3 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
More than 6,000 people have visited four mobile registration intake centers and six disaster recovery centers to get information and to apply for disaster assistance. For updates on locations and hours, go to http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/.
Nearly 400 business owners have visited the SBA Business Recovery Center since it opened on June 1 to get information or help in filling out an SBA loan application.
More than $10,000 has been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Nearly 40 people have filed claims with Workforce Oklahoma Center. For more information, call 800-555-1554.
More than 600 survivors were welcomed, fed and cared for in eight emergency shelters. Shelters operated until June 18.
Hours after the federal disaster declaration, FEMA issued a mission assignment to the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor hazardous waste collection and disposal, as requested by the state of Oklahoma.
Two days after the federal disaster declaration, FEMA deployed more than 400 personnel in support of response and recovery efforts, including three Urban Search and Rescue teams (Texas Task Force 1, Nebraska Task Force 1 and Tennessee Task Force 1) to perform search and rescue operations in Oklahoma.
In the first days after the declaration, FEMA’s Geospatial Information System group obtained aerial photos of the Moore tornado’s path, which OEM received from the Civil Air Patrol. All of the images were geo-tagged and uploaded to the FEMA Geoplatform. In addition, FEMA leveraged a new DHS contract for high-resolution aerial imagery. The combined aerial images were able to deliver house-by-house geospatial damage assessments and provide greater situational awareness to OEM, FEMA and other agencies.
Three FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams arrived in Oklahoma the day after the federal declaration to help address immediate and emerging needs of survivors, including on-site registration, applicant status checks and on-the spot needs assessments and referrals in the hard-hit neighborhoods and emergency shelters. After staffing up, DSA teams visited 15,171 homes, registered 1,543 households and performed 661 case inquiries.
AmeriCorps and FEMA Corps members assisted the state and FEMA with donation warehousing and community volunteer management.
OEM and FEMA have received 49 Requests for Public Assistance from PA applicants—such as tribes, state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in five counties designated for Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The designated counties are Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.
In Oklahoma, OEM administers the PA program and disburses the FEMA funding to PA applicants only. To date, OEM has completed 33 PA Applicant Briefings to explain the program and application process to local jurisdictions.
As of June 18, disaster-damaged communities have picked up more than 392,000 cubic yards of disaster debris. Officials estimate there were more than 900,000 cubic yards of debris. Working together as part of a joint task force, OEM and FEMA continue to address the removal of disaster debris.
As requested by the State of Oklahoma, FEMA issued a mission assignment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions for proper debris disposal.
To further help communities recover, FEMA will reimburse PA applicants for the collection and disposal of eligible disaster debris that has been moved to the curb or public right-of-way by homeowners, at no cost to the homeowner.
More than 340 people at home improvement stores have received tips on how to rebuild safer and stronger. FEMA advisers operated a mitigation station at The Home Depot in Moore. Advisers are currently at Lowe’s home improvement stores in Norman and Moore.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Disaster assistance for Oklahoma now tops $17.5 million, just one month after a federal disaster declaration for the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that started hammering the state on May 18.
Nearly 12,000 households in six designated counties have applied for assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the storms of May 18 through June 2. The designated counties are Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.
"Everywhere we look, we see positive change," said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten. "Survivors, businesses and communities continue to clean up, rebuild and move forward in their recovery."
"We report disaster assistance in dollars," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman. "But we measure success in recovery by how far we’ve bounced back."
Recovery takes a team effort that involves many people and organizations—survivors, faith-based and voluntary agencies, as well as the business community, local jurisdictions, OEM and FEMA.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECOVERY OPERATION:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $8.3 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
More than 6,000 people have visited four mobile registration intake centers and six disaster recovery centers to get information and to apply for disaster assistance. For updates on locations and hours, go to http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/.
Nearly 400 business owners have visited the SBA Business Recovery Center since it opened on June 1 to get information or help in filling out an SBA loan application.
More than $10,000 has been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Nearly 40 people have filed claims with Workforce Oklahoma Center. For more information, call 800-555-1554.
More than 600 survivors were welcomed, fed and cared for in eight emergency shelters. Shelters operated until June 18.
Hours after the federal disaster declaration, FEMA issued a mission assignment to the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor hazardous waste collection and disposal, as requested by the state of Oklahoma.
Two days after the federal disaster declaration, FEMA deployed more than 400 personnel in support of response and recovery efforts, including three Urban Search and Rescue teams (Texas Task Force 1, Nebraska Task Force 1 and Tennessee Task Force 1) to perform search and rescue operations in Oklahoma.
In the first days after the declaration, FEMA’s Geospatial Information System group obtained aerial photos of the Moore tornado’s path, which OEM received from the Civil Air Patrol. All of the images were geo-tagged and uploaded to the FEMA Geoplatform. In addition, FEMA leveraged a new DHS contract for high-resolution aerial imagery. The combined aerial images were able to deliver house-by-house geospatial damage assessments and provide greater situational awareness to OEM, FEMA and other agencies.
Three FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams arrived in Oklahoma the day after the federal declaration to help address immediate and emerging needs of survivors, including on-site registration, applicant status checks and on-the spot needs assessments and referrals in the hard-hit neighborhoods and emergency shelters. After staffing up, DSA teams visited 15,171 homes, registered 1,543 households and performed 661 case inquiries.
AmeriCorps and FEMA Corps members assisted the state and FEMA with donation warehousing and community volunteer management.
OEM and FEMA have received 49 Requests for Public Assistance from PA applicants—such as tribes, state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in five counties designated for Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The designated counties are Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.
In Oklahoma, OEM administers the PA program and disburses the FEMA funding to PA applicants only. To date, OEM has completed 33 PA Applicant Briefings to explain the program and application process to local jurisdictions.
As of June 18, disaster-damaged communities have picked up more than 392,000 cubic yards of disaster debris. Officials estimate there were more than 900,000 cubic yards of debris. Working together as part of a joint task force, OEM and FEMA continue to address the removal of disaster debris.
As requested by the State of Oklahoma, FEMA issued a mission assignment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions for proper debris disposal.
To further help communities recover, FEMA will reimburse PA applicants for the collection and disposal of eligible disaster debris that has been moved to the curb or public right-of-way by homeowners, at no cost to the homeowner.
More than 340 people at home improvement stores have received tips on how to rebuild safer and stronger. FEMA advisers operated a mitigation station at The Home Depot in Moore. Advisers are currently at Lowe’s home improvement stores in Norman and Moore.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
TEXAS AWARDED OVER $31.2 MILLION FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS TO FIGHT WILDFIRES
FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FEMA Awards More Than $31.2 Million to Texas for Firefighting Costs
Release date: April 3, 2013
DENTON, Texas – More than $31.2 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursement of costs to fight wildfires in Bastrop, Cass, Coke, Grimes, Jeff Davis, Kimble, King, Knox, Marion, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Presidio, Stephens, Stonewall, Tom Green, Waller and Young counties in 2011.
The FEMA funding covers the costs of ground support labor, equipment, materials, air support and meals and lodging incurred as a result of the Swenson Fire, the Rockhouse Fire, the PK West Fire, the Wildcat Fire, the Oasis Pipeline Fire, the Tejano Canyon Fire, the 101 Ranch Fire, the Bastrop County Fire Complex, the Riley Road Fire and the Bear Creek Fire.
"Texas experienced a record number of wildfires in 2011, which devastated communities across the state," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. "We are committed to providing the necessary support to partners as the recovery process moves forward."
FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.
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.
FEMA Awards More Than $31.2 Million to Texas for Firefighting Costs
Release date: April 3, 2013
DENTON, Texas – More than $31.2 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursement of costs to fight wildfires in Bastrop, Cass, Coke, Grimes, Jeff Davis, Kimble, King, Knox, Marion, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Presidio, Stephens, Stonewall, Tom Green, Waller and Young counties in 2011.
The FEMA funding covers the costs of ground support labor, equipment, materials, air support and meals and lodging incurred as a result of the Swenson Fire, the Rockhouse Fire, the PK West Fire, the Wildcat Fire, the Oasis Pipeline Fire, the Tejano Canyon Fire, the 101 Ranch Fire, the Bastrop County Fire Complex, the Riley Road Fire and the Bear Creek Fire.
"Texas experienced a record number of wildfires in 2011, which devastated communities across the state," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. "We are committed to providing the necessary support to partners as the recovery process moves forward."
FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.
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.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
FEMA AND NOAA PROMOTE NATIONAL FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
March 15, 2013
WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to improve public awareness for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013. The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities. Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.
"I've seen the devastation that can occur from floods. They can happen at any time, anywhere across the United States, which means we all need to be prepared now," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "In addition to obtaining a flood insurance policy for your home or business, there are simple steps folks can do now to be prepared for flooding - develop a family emergency plan and have an emergency supply kit ready to go."
Floods are the most common hazard in the United States. However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly. Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy.
There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.
"Flooding is dangerous and costly, killing nearly 100 people and causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year," said Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service, which produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings. "A weather-ready nation is a prepared nation; one that will reduce flood losses by planning ahead, staying abreast of weather forecasts, and heeding the warnings."
Dr. Uccellini emphasized that a primary flood killer is flooded roadways. People should never attempt to drive through them, but should "Turn Around, Don’t Drown," NOAA’s flood safety slogan.
NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.
FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week.
March 15, 2013
WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to improve public awareness for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013. The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities. Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.
"I've seen the devastation that can occur from floods. They can happen at any time, anywhere across the United States, which means we all need to be prepared now," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "In addition to obtaining a flood insurance policy for your home or business, there are simple steps folks can do now to be prepared for flooding - develop a family emergency plan and have an emergency supply kit ready to go."
Floods are the most common hazard in the United States. However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly. Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy.
There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.
"Flooding is dangerous and costly, killing nearly 100 people and causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year," said Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service, which produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings. "A weather-ready nation is a prepared nation; one that will reduce flood losses by planning ahead, staying abreast of weather forecasts, and heeding the warnings."
Dr. Uccellini emphasized that a primary flood killer is flooded roadways. People should never attempt to drive through them, but should "Turn Around, Don’t Drown," NOAA’s flood safety slogan.
NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.
FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
FEMA SAYS PEOPLE NEED TO THINK ABOUT BUYING FLOOD INSURANCE
FROM: FEMA
Buying Flood Insurance Now Will Save Dollars, Heartache Later
Release date:
January 4, 2013
Release Number:
MD-4091-008
HUNT VALLEY, Md. – People who live near water are not the only ones who experience flooding. Floods can move and spread for miles. Flash floods can begin and end within just hours, cutting a path of major destruction.
One of the ways you can protect yourself is with flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers this important insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was created by Congress in 1968 to provide flood insurance at a reasonable cost in exchange for careful management by local communities of flood-prone areas.
Flood insurance provides coverage that your homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t – coverage for damages caused by floods.
Here are some facts you should know about flood insurance:
Homeowners, business owners and renters all can purchase flood insurance as long as their community participates in the NFIP.
Flood insurance claims are paid even if a federal disaster is not declared by the President.
You do not have to live in a floodplain to buy flood insurance. In fact, more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from medium- or low-risk flood areas.
Compared to a fire, people in floodplains are nearly four times more likely to have a flood during their 30-year mortgage.
You can buy flood insurance from licensed insurance agents.
Flood insurance coverage is available for residential and business structures and contents. A single-family home can be insured for up to $250,000. An additional $100,000 can be purchased for contents. Commercial buildings can be insured for up to $500,000. Business contents can be covered for up to $500,000.
Renters can purchase contents coverage for up to $100,000 to cover personal belongings.
If you have a home-based business, you’ll need to purchase separate coverage for the business and/or contents. Coverage is not automatically included under a homeowner’s flood insurance policy, even if the business is located inside your home.
A flood insurance policy can be written to cover actions taken to prevent flood damages. These actions can include moving the insured contents to a safe place and/or the cost of purchasing sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber, pumps, etc.
A flood insurance claim will reimburse you for your covered losses and never has to be repaid, unlike a disaster assistance loan.
Okay, so now you’re interested in flood insurance. How do you go about getting a policy and what else do you need to know?
Contact your insurance agent and tell them you would like more information about flood insurance. The agent will be able to determine whether your community participates in the NFIP. Flood insurance from the NFIP is only available in participating communities. The agent should also be able to tell you what is covered and how much your policy will cost.
The cost will be determined in part by whether you live in a floodplain, also known as Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Your local building official(s) should have maps showing if there are Special Flood Hazard Areas and where they are. You can determine whether you are in a low, medium or high-risk area by checking these maps.
Those who are located outside the floodplain may be able to get a Preferred Risk Policy. These policies offer fixed combinations of building and contents coverage at set prices.
Another way to reduce your premium is through an elevation rating. If the lowest floor of your house is above the base flood elevation (predicted flood depth in your area), you can qualify for lower rates. Local officials can help determine the base flood elevation for your home, however, the homeowner will need to provide an elevation certificate.
Even so, the cost of flood insurance is far cheaper than having to pay thousands of dollars to repair your home or replace contents because a flood caught you off guard.
Buying Flood Insurance Now Will Save Dollars, Heartache Later
Release date:
January 4, 2013
Release Number:
MD-4091-008
HUNT VALLEY, Md. – People who live near water are not the only ones who experience flooding. Floods can move and spread for miles. Flash floods can begin and end within just hours, cutting a path of major destruction.
One of the ways you can protect yourself is with flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers this important insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was created by Congress in 1968 to provide flood insurance at a reasonable cost in exchange for careful management by local communities of flood-prone areas.
Flood insurance provides coverage that your homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t – coverage for damages caused by floods.
Here are some facts you should know about flood insurance:
Flood insurance claims are paid even if a federal disaster is not declared by the President.
You do not have to live in a floodplain to buy flood insurance. In fact, more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from medium- or low-risk flood areas.
Compared to a fire, people in floodplains are nearly four times more likely to have a flood during their 30-year mortgage.
You can buy flood insurance from licensed insurance agents.
Flood insurance coverage is available for residential and business structures and contents. A single-family home can be insured for up to $250,000. An additional $100,000 can be purchased for contents. Commercial buildings can be insured for up to $500,000. Business contents can be covered for up to $500,000.
Renters can purchase contents coverage for up to $100,000 to cover personal belongings.
If you have a home-based business, you’ll need to purchase separate coverage for the business and/or contents. Coverage is not automatically included under a homeowner’s flood insurance policy, even if the business is located inside your home.
A flood insurance policy can be written to cover actions taken to prevent flood damages. These actions can include moving the insured contents to a safe place and/or the cost of purchasing sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber, pumps, etc.
A flood insurance claim will reimburse you for your covered losses and never has to be repaid, unlike a disaster assistance loan.
Okay, so now you’re interested in flood insurance. How do you go about getting a policy and what else do you need to know?
The cost will be determined in part by whether you live in a floodplain, also known as Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Your local building official(s) should have maps showing if there are Special Flood Hazard Areas and where they are. You can determine whether you are in a low, medium or high-risk area by checking these maps.
Those who are located outside the floodplain may be able to get a Preferred Risk Policy. These policies offer fixed combinations of building and contents coverage at set prices.
Another way to reduce your premium is through an elevation rating. If the lowest floor of your house is above the base flood elevation (predicted flood depth in your area), you can qualify for lower rates. Local officials can help determine the base flood elevation for your home, however, the homeowner will need to provide an elevation certificate.
Even so, the cost of flood insurance is far cheaper than having to pay thousands of dollars to repair your home or replace contents because a flood caught you off guard.
Friday, November 9, 2012
FEMA ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $327 MILLION IN INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE TO APPORVED DISASTER SURVIVORS
Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Impacted by Sandy
Release date:
November 8, 2012
Release Number:
HQ-12-143
More than $327 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors
WASHINGTON -- At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government's effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, and tribal communities in affected areas.
As FEMA and its federal partners continue to work with the states in support of their recovery efforts, the top priority is providing access to shelter for residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by the storm. At the requests of New York and New Jersey, FEMA continues to deliver commodities including food, water, blankets, generators and others resources to distribution points across the region impacted by Sandy, and FEMA continues to pre-position additional resources and supplies to ensure they are in place if needed by our state and local partners to respond to the coastal low.
Many voluntary agencies also continue to provide services to Hurricane Sandy survivors, including providing shelter, meals, and clean up supplies. Due to the cold weather conditions, state and local governments continue to operate warming stations. For more information, contact your local officials or further information can be found on websites including: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/ ; http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/warming_ctr.html; http://nj.gov/nj/home/features/spotlight/hurricane_sandy.shtml; http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm and www.ct.gov/sandy .
"We continue to support our state, local and federal partners to help the survivors of Hurricane Sandy," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA has provided more than $327 million in housing and other assistance needs to impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Survivors and small businesses can register for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov."
FEMA is one part of a large team that is working together to support the states in meeting the housing needs of disaster survivors. This joint effort is comprised of housing and technical experts from the states, FEMA, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Small Business Administration (SBA), voluntary agencies and others. Working together, the team will work closely with state-led Housing Task Forces as they establish housing priorities; seek ways to make the greatest use of existing housing resources, such as apartments and rental units; enlist voluntary agencies to make minor repairs so survivors can remain in their homes and investigate other temporary housing options suitable for the area. As extensive work continues to restore power, open roadways and remove debris so that homes can begin to be repaired or rebuilt, our federal partners are:
HUD is working to identify the areas of greatest need for housing and identify available rental resources in impacted areas to assist families displaced by these storms find longer-term housing solutions;
USACE will providing technical assistance to local communities who identify areas where temporary home repairs, such as covering broken windows or holes in roofs, can help residents move back or stay in their home until more extensive repairs can be made;
SBA is working to help individuals and businesses apply for low interest loans so that they can more quickly rebuild or repair their damaged homes and replace lost property;
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are waiving low-income housing tax credit rules that would prohibit owners of low-income housing from providing housing to survivors of Hurricane Sandy who do not qualify as low-income. This means that there will be an increased availability of housing for disaster survivors and their families
As part of the team, FEMA has more than 5,300 FEMA personnel deployed to support response and recovery operations and is actively taking registration information through our 24 hour call centers. As of 3 p.m., more than 324,811 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $327 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance. 13 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, seven in New Jersey and seven in Connecticut and more continue to open. 15 Mobile DRCs are also open and serving disaster survivors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. You may also text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).
FEMA has more than 1,900 housing inspectors on the ground assessing disaster damages and continues to approve assistance for Transitional Shelter Assistance (hotel/motel assistance), rental and home repair assistance, and financial assistance for other essential needs (such as disaster-related medical needs, replacement of lost clothing, furniture and other necessary items).
To date, the President has declared that major disasters exist in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island and emergency declarations have been made in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states. These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.
Release date:
November 8, 2012
Release Number:
HQ-12-143
More than $327 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors
WASHINGTON -- At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government's effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, and tribal communities in affected areas.
As FEMA and its federal partners continue to work with the states in support of their recovery efforts, the top priority is providing access to shelter for residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by the storm. At the requests of New York and New Jersey, FEMA continues to deliver commodities including food, water, blankets, generators and others resources to distribution points across the region impacted by Sandy, and FEMA continues to pre-position additional resources and supplies to ensure they are in place if needed by our state and local partners to respond to the coastal low.
Many voluntary agencies also continue to provide services to Hurricane Sandy survivors, including providing shelter, meals, and clean up supplies. Due to the cold weather conditions, state and local governments continue to operate warming stations. For more information, contact your local officials or further information can be found on websites including: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/ ; http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/warming_ctr.html; http://nj.gov/nj/home/features/spotlight/hurricane_sandy.shtml; http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm and www.ct.gov/sandy .
"We continue to support our state, local and federal partners to help the survivors of Hurricane Sandy," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA has provided more than $327 million in housing and other assistance needs to impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Survivors and small businesses can register for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov."
FEMA is one part of a large team that is working together to support the states in meeting the housing needs of disaster survivors. This joint effort is comprised of housing and technical experts from the states, FEMA, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Small Business Administration (SBA), voluntary agencies and others. Working together, the team will work closely with state-led Housing Task Forces as they establish housing priorities; seek ways to make the greatest use of existing housing resources, such as apartments and rental units; enlist voluntary agencies to make minor repairs so survivors can remain in their homes and investigate other temporary housing options suitable for the area. As extensive work continues to restore power, open roadways and remove debris so that homes can begin to be repaired or rebuilt, our federal partners are:
USACE will providing technical assistance to local communities who identify areas where temporary home repairs, such as covering broken windows or holes in roofs, can help residents move back or stay in their home until more extensive repairs can be made;
SBA is working to help individuals and businesses apply for low interest loans so that they can more quickly rebuild or repair their damaged homes and replace lost property;
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are waiving low-income housing tax credit rules that would prohibit owners of low-income housing from providing housing to survivors of Hurricane Sandy who do not qualify as low-income. This means that there will be an increased availability of housing for disaster survivors and their families
As part of the team, FEMA has more than 5,300 FEMA personnel deployed to support response and recovery operations and is actively taking registration information through our 24 hour call centers. As of 3 p.m., more than 324,811 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $327 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance. 13 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, seven in New Jersey and seven in Connecticut and more continue to open. 15 Mobile DRCs are also open and serving disaster survivors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. You may also text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).
FEMA has more than 1,900 housing inspectors on the ground assessing disaster damages and continues to approve assistance for Transitional Shelter Assistance (hotel/motel assistance), rental and home repair assistance, and financial assistance for other essential needs (such as disaster-related medical needs, replacement of lost clothing, furniture and other necessary items).
To date, the President has declared that major disasters exist in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island and emergency declarations have been made in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states. These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
NORTHCOM COORDINATING DOD SUPPORT IN RESPONSE TO ISAAC
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Northern Command Assists With Hurricane Isaac Efforts
From a U.S. Northern Command News Release
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Aug. 29, 2012 - U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Defense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local response activities in response to Hurricane Isaac.
Northcom has deployed four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, Ky., and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Norfolk Naval Air Station, Va., to assist in search and rescue efforts. A search and rescue planner has also been activated and deployed to the Baton Rouge Emergency Operations Center in Louisiana. Four emergency liaison officers deployed to the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., in support of FEMA, and Fort Polk, La., has been designated as a federal team staging area.
The command has activated its Region 6 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to Baton Rouge to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA's hurricane response operations and to facilitate DOD's support of potential life-saving and response operations.
Northcom also has deployed portions of its Region 1 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to Clanton, Ala., and Region t DCO and DCE to Pearl, Miss., to backfill the Region 4 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element members who are deployed to Florida's emergency operations center in Tallahassee. Additionally, the command has designated Meridian Air Station, Miss., as an incident support base and Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., was designated as a federal support area.
"U.S. Northern Command is immensely proud of our partners who are working closely with state and local authorities on responding to Hurricane Isaac," said Army Lt. Col. Philip J. Smith, Northcom public affairs officer. "The active-duty military stands ready to support and we continue to lean forward and prepare to respond, if required, to this big, unpredictable storm."
Northern Command Assists With Hurricane Isaac Efforts
From a U.S. Northern Command News Release
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Aug. 29, 2012 - U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Defense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local response activities in response to Hurricane Isaac.
Northcom has deployed four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, Ky., and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Norfolk Naval Air Station, Va., to assist in search and rescue efforts. A search and rescue planner has also been activated and deployed to the Baton Rouge Emergency Operations Center in Louisiana. Four emergency liaison officers deployed to the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., in support of FEMA, and Fort Polk, La., has been designated as a federal team staging area.
The command has activated its Region 6 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to Baton Rouge to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA's hurricane response operations and to facilitate DOD's support of potential life-saving and response operations.
Northcom also has deployed portions of its Region 1 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to Clanton, Ala., and Region t DCO and DCE to Pearl, Miss., to backfill the Region 4 defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element members who are deployed to Florida's emergency operations center in Tallahassee. Additionally, the command has designated Meridian Air Station, Miss., as an incident support base and Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., was designated as a federal support area.
"U.S. Northern Command is immensely proud of our partners who are working closely with state and local authorities on responding to Hurricane Isaac," said Army Lt. Col. Philip J. Smith, Northcom public affairs officer. "The active-duty military stands ready to support and we continue to lean forward and prepare to respond, if required, to this big, unpredictable storm."
Monday, July 2, 2012
PRESIDENT OBAMA DEPLOYS RESOURCES TO FIGHT WESTERN WILDFIRES
Air Force Senior Airman Dustin Johannsen and Senior Airman Barry Logan pull a flame retardant filler hose from a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., June 29, 2012. The airmen are part of the interagency mission to fight devastating wildfires in Colorado. MAFFS-equipped aircraft are capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of flame retardant and can disperse it in five seconds. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
Obama: Employ All Resources to Fight Colorado Wildfires
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2012 - As President Barack Obama thanked firefighters and volunteers, and met with impacted families in wildfire-devastated areas in and around Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday, he also vowed to marshal all federal resources -- including military -- to combat the fires.
"We're going to continue to make sure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Forest Service, our military and National Guard and all the resources that we have available at the federal level are brought to bear in fighting this fire," Obama said today in his weekly video address to the nation. He recorded this week's address during his Colorado visit.
The federal government has marshaled thousands of firefighters, hundreds of fire engines, and more than 100 aircraft, including 19 air tankers, to support firefighting efforts in a number of Western states including Colorado, White House officials noted.
Meanwhile, four Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting in the efforts to control fires in the Rocky Mountain region at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, according to a Northcom news release issued today.
Northcom, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., partners with other agencies to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.
Four additional MAFFS-equipped aircraft will be arriving later today to assist with firefighting efforts within the Rocky Mountain region, the Northcom release said.
As of early today, DOD aircraft have flown the following wildfire fighting missions in Colorado:
-- Waldo Canyon Fire, near Colorado Springs, : Fifty air drops, employing approximately 133,500 gallons of flame retardant;
-- Flagstaff Fire, near Boulder, : Five air drops, employing about 13,200 gallons of flame retardant; and
-- Arapahoe National Forest Fire, : Six air drops, employing approximately 13,250 gallons of flame retardant.
Military units that conducted those missions are the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing based in Cheyenne. Both units are currently flying missions out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
The California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, from Channel Islands, and the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing, from Charlotte, will soon join the 153rd and the 302nd, military officials said.
This is the first time since 2008 that all eight military aircraft have been activated at one time, said Air Force Col. Jerry Champlin, 153rd Air Expeditionary Group commander. In that year, the aircraft were stationed at McClellan Airpark in Sacramento, Calif., to fight fires in that state.
Champlin, a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard, has tactical control over the MAFFS aircraft.
Although all eight C-130s will operate from Peterson Air Force Base for now, where they will drop fire retardant depends on the daily situation in the region, officials said. The Forest Service also may choose to base one or more aircraft in other operating areas.
Friday, June 15, 2012
FEDERAL DISASTER AID HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO OKLAHOMA
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of April 28 to May 1, 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 storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in Alfalfa, Craig, Grant, Kay, and Nowata counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Nancy M. Casper has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Casper said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Friday, May 4, 2012
FEMA SAYS FEMA DISASTER AID WILL NOT AFFECT SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAXES
FROM: FEMA
FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.
Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.
Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.
Those who have experienced damage from the storms may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
FEMA RECOMMENDS OLD IDEA: STORM SHELTERS
FROM: FEMA
Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Recent storms in southern Indiana have heightened awareness of the value of storm shelters among some residents. Near Holton, one family is planning improvements to the storm shelter they installed 25 years ago. Just west of Corydon, a resident is including a shelter in his new home.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) applaud these efforts and encourage residents to consider taking similar steps to reduce their risks of damage from future storms.
In the 25 years since they built their shelter, Don Wood and his family have sought protection through several windstorms and a few tornadoes. Their shelter, which is accessed through a trap door on a deck, has 8-inch-thick walls made of concrete-filled concrete blocks. Improvements the Woods are making now include extending the concrete roof over a part of the stairway and resurfacing the concrete stairs.
Nearby, Jeremy Shireman is incorporating a storm shelter in the basement of his new home, which is under construction. The shelter will occupy the space under the front porch of his home with the concrete floor of the porch serving as the roof of the shelter.
IDHS and FEMA offer several resources for residents interested in reducing their risks of storm losses. Information on the IDHS website includes tornado safety guidelines. Free hazard mitigation publications are available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include Taking Shelter from the Storm and Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.
IDHS and FEMA officials advise residents with storm shelters to notify their local fire departments or other emergency responders about the locations of their storm shelters. That information can be vital in post-disaster recovery efforts, in the event debris covers the access to the shelter.
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.
FEMA URGES PEOPLE TO GET FLOOD INSURANCE BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
FROM: FEMA
Get FloodSmart: Protect Now With Flood Insurance
30-Day Countdown to the 2012 Hurricane Season Begins May 2
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-033
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Every year, thirty days from the start of hurricane season, FEMA officials urge U.S. residents to prepare their homes and businesses for the heightened flood risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. This year, FEMA is placing more urgency in this message due to the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 31, 2012, the day before the 2012 hurricane season begins on June 1st.
The authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program is scheduled to expire on May 31 unless Congress acts in advance to reauthorize it. The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters and business owners. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk; it encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss; and it provides financial assistance to help individuals recover rapidly from flooding disasters.
"Flood insurance is essential to help protect against the devastating effects of flooding, and the time to act is now," said David Miller, Associate Administrator for FEMA's Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. "As we approach a potentially active hurricane season, FEMA is urging Congress to reauthorize the NFIP and send a clear signal to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation's efforts to manage flood risk."
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster to affect every state across the country. Severe weather has already brought significant flood events to many states in the U.S. As we continue to monitor conditions and respond to these events, we must also look forward to summer and hurricane-related weather patterns that will heighten flood risks for many.
FEMA also stresses that flood risks associated with hurricane season extend beyond the Gulf and Southeastern coasts. The largest amounts of rainfall from hurricanes are often produced by slow moving storms that stall out miles from a shoreline as did Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. In addition, last year Hurricane Irene caused major flooding over much of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast when it moved inland, with high winds and torrential rains.
FEMA is urging residents to purchase flood insurance now. Flood insurance is available through more than 85 insurance companies in nearly 22,000 participating communities nationwide. Most everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners, and homeowners. Flood insurance is also affordable. The average flood insurance policy is around $625 a year. And in moderate- to low- risk areas, homeowners can protect their properties with low-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $129 a year. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov or calling 1-800-427-2419.
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.
Friday, April 27, 2012
FLOOD VICTIMS MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Sometimes it’s unwise to challenge Mother Nature. As West Virginians know all too well, in many areas of the state flash floods are frequent visitors, and an increasing number of homeowners have decided to seek higher ground.
One family in Stollings saw its two-story house inundated time and again by the nearby Guyandotte River. Flood insurance paid for most of the repeated repairs and cleanups, but no policy can make up for the stress of being repeatedly flooded. And as the disasters continue, a vulnerable house inevitably becomes worth less and less.
The Logan County Commission had determined that the flash flooding of 2004 caused enormous damage to many homes in the Stollings neighborhood, and several homeowners chose to take advantage of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “buyout” process under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. After the flood of May, 2007, the family also decided it was time to move and accepted the county’s buyout offer.
These projects are normal real-estate transactions. Homeowners are paid fair market value for their homes as calculated before the damage occurred. Once the property is purchased, the structures are removed and the property becomes public open space or green space. It can never be developed or sold to private parties. It can be used as a public park, can be leased for agricultural use, but no structures of any kind can be erected thereon.
The Buyout program is completely voluntary on the part of the property owner and the community. Buyout, or “acquisition,” projects are administered by the state and local communities, be they towns or counties. While FEMA shoulders 75 percent of the costs, it does not buy houses directly from the property owners.
The property owners do not apply to the state for buyouts, but the community may sponsor applications on their behalf. Those applications are prepared by the communities with the input of homeowners whose properties have suffered heavy damage. The applications are completed after the state has advised the community of any state priorities or special restrictions. The state and community work together to identify where buyouts would make the most sense.
The state then submits whatever applications they deem appropriate for action for FEMA’s review, which ensures the rules are being followed, the environment is protected and the buyouts would be a cost-effective use of funds.
If and when FEMA approves the purchase, the community begins to acquire the property. The actual transaction is done by the community or the county. FEMA warns that the process is not quick. The whole buyout process from the day of the disaster to the property settlement can take up to two years.
The family in Stollings has now moved to safer ground. The house is gone and the property is an empty, grassy open space. When the floods hit Logan County in March of this year, this property had no house left to damage or destroy, and the open spaces where houses once sat helped reduce flooding downstream.
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
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COULD END UNLESS REAUTHORIZED SOON
FROM: FEMA
National Flood Insurance Program Could Expire May 31, 2012, if Not Reauthorized
Here Are a Few Things You Need to Know
April 23, 2012
Many businesses, commercial owners, homeowners and renters purchase flood insurance to reduce the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods.
As we approach a potentially active hurricane season, FEMA’s Administrator, W. Craig Fugate, is engaging Congress to strongly recommend reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which will expire on May 31, 2012.
The NFIP plays a key role in our Nation’s efforts to prevent and recover from flood disasters. Reauthorization of the NFIP before it expires on May 31, 2012, is essential to our Nation’s efforts to prevent and recover from flood disasters. Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States in terms of lives lost and property damaged. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk; it encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss; it provides financial assistance to help individuals recover more rapidly from flooding disasters; and it lessens the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.
In recent years, a series of short-term reauthorizations and temporary suspensions of the NFIP have eroded confidence in the program among stakeholders, including state governments, tribal governments, local communities, individual policyholders, mortgage lenders, and the private insurance industry. In addition to disrupting the program's day-to-day operations, short-term reauthorizations and temporary suspensions create significant uncertainty regarding the federal government's long-term commitment to underwriting and indemnifying flood losses. In the absence of such a commitment, our stakeholders are less likely to make the investments needed to successfully sustain, strengthen, and grow the program — thereby undermining the NFIP’s effectiveness and efficiency over time.
A two year re-authorization will send a clear signal to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation's efforts to manage flood risk. If Congress does not re-authorize the NFIP before it expires on May 31, 2012:
Property owners will be unable to complete new mortgage transactions. Property owners who would normally be required to purchase flood insurance to fulfill lending requirements will be unable to obtain affordable coverage. The National Association of REALTORS estimates that a lapse in authorization jeopardizes an estimated 1,300 sales each day or about 40,000 mortgage closings per month.
The Disaster Relief Fund will bear additional costs when flood strike. Property owners who are unable to obtain flood insurance coverage may seek and be eligible for assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund. Consequently, failure to reauthorize the NFIP will result in transferring a portion of the costs of flood losses that otherwise would have been paid by the NFIP to the taxpayer through the Disaster Relief Fund.
The NFIP may have to halt payment of claims for recent events, including Hurricanes Irene and Lee, if a lapse in authorization substantially reduces cash flow into the program from premiums or a significant flood event follows the lapse and drains the remaining, non-renewable funds.
National Flood Insurance Program Could Expire May 31, 2012, if Not Reauthorized
Here Are a Few Things You Need to Know
April 23, 2012
Many businesses, commercial owners, homeowners and renters purchase flood insurance to reduce the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods.
As we approach a potentially active hurricane season, FEMA’s Administrator, W. Craig Fugate, is engaging Congress to strongly recommend reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which will expire on May 31, 2012.
The NFIP plays a key role in our Nation’s efforts to prevent and recover from flood disasters. Reauthorization of the NFIP before it expires on May 31, 2012, is essential to our Nation’s efforts to prevent and recover from flood disasters. Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States in terms of lives lost and property damaged. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk; it encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss; it provides financial assistance to help individuals recover more rapidly from flooding disasters; and it lessens the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.
In recent years, a series of short-term reauthorizations and temporary suspensions of the NFIP have eroded confidence in the program among stakeholders, including state governments, tribal governments, local communities, individual policyholders, mortgage lenders, and the private insurance industry. In addition to disrupting the program's day-to-day operations, short-term reauthorizations and temporary suspensions create significant uncertainty regarding the federal government's long-term commitment to underwriting and indemnifying flood losses. In the absence of such a commitment, our stakeholders are less likely to make the investments needed to successfully sustain, strengthen, and grow the program — thereby undermining the NFIP’s effectiveness and efficiency over time.
A two year re-authorization will send a clear signal to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation's efforts to manage flood risk. If Congress does not re-authorize the NFIP before it expires on May 31, 2012:
Property owners will be unable to complete new mortgage transactions. Property owners who would normally be required to purchase flood insurance to fulfill lending requirements will be unable to obtain affordable coverage. The National Association of REALTORS estimates that a lapse in authorization jeopardizes an estimated 1,300 sales each day or about 40,000 mortgage closings per month.
The Disaster Relief Fund will bear additional costs when flood strike. Property owners who are unable to obtain flood insurance coverage may seek and be eligible for assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund. Consequently, failure to reauthorize the NFIP will result in transferring a portion of the costs of flood losses that otherwise would have been paid by the NFIP to the taxpayer through the Disaster Relief Fund.
The NFIP may have to halt payment of claims for recent events, including Hurricanes Irene and Lee, if a lapse in authorization substantially reduces cash flow into the program from premiums or a significant flood event follows the lapse and drains the remaining, non-renewable funds.
Monday, April 16, 2012
FEMA HELPS KEEP THE LIGHTS ON
FROM: FEMA
SALEM, Ore. -- In 2006, severe winds and falling trees took out a huge segment of a heavily-wooded transmission line. This wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. But with help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) found a way to end the cycle.
WOEC was facing its most expensive project ever: $6.2 million. Fortunately for the small utility, FEMA was able to cover a large portion using two types of hazard mitigation grants. It took time for the approvals and more than six months of construction, but by December 2009 the newly undergrounded line was fully energized.
Perhaps the greatest system test came during the January 2012 storms.
“The line has not faulted once since it was installed,” said Steve Scott, WOEC’s Operations Manager. “We accomplished exactly what we planned.”
This small power co-op serves 4,300 customers in the remote, timbered lands of Northwest Oregon. It’s a beautiful but a challenging terrain. “We call the trees the blessed curse,” said Marc Farmer, WOEC’s General Manager.
As a nonprofit agency providing essential services, WOEC is eligible for federal disaster assistance during a presidentially declared disaster.
After commissioning a study, WOEC was able to show that undergrounding the line was not only highly cost-effective, it was the most sensible solution to the never-ending problem.
“People expected to be out of service,” said Farmer, “but they weren’t.” In fact, Farmer got only one complaint. “One customer grumbled that he never even had a chance to use his brand new generator.”
FEMA hazard mitigation money has helped the co-op in other ways as well. During a 2007 flood, the co-op offices and substation were inundated. After agreeing to a property “buyout,” the agency moved its headquarters to higher ground. Congress also approved separate money to move the substation out of the flood zone.
Experience has also taught the co-op important lessons about record-keeping. Darlene McLeod, WOEC’s Finance Manager is in demand these days, explaining to other agencies what data FEMA will require after a disaster.
According to McLeod, one of the most important things is to keep track of the county where the work is located since FEMA declarations are always county specific. In addition, McLeod recommends noting the time spent and the equipment used for each job.
“The more documentation you have, the better,” said McLeod. That can be difficult when you’re “in the throes of an emergency,” so McLeod has redesigned their time sheets to reflect the information that FEMA will require for reimbursement.
Other helpful records can include running outage reports, emails, mutual aid agreements and service contracts.
“Your memory will never do it,” said Scott. “You think you’ll never have a FEMA event and the next day it happens,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to be prepared.”
Just ask McLeod. “As soon as the lights flicker we start accounting for our time,” she said.
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.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
DISASTER VICTIMS MAY GET TAX EXTENSION
FROM: FEMA
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- West Virginian taxpayers living in counties that were designated as major-disaster areas might qualify for a postponement in filing their federal tax returns and paying what they owe.
This relief would apply to residents of Lincoln, Logan, Wayne and Marion counties. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, these taxpayers whose returns and payments are due April 17 can postpone the filings until May 31. Businesses who must file by March 15 or on any date before May 31 can also postpone filing until May 31.
The IRS will waive any penalties for late filings (before May 31) for individuals and businesses in the affected counties. In addition, any individual or business whose necessary records are in an affected county might also qualify for relief.
“If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late filing or late payment penalties that would otherwise apply,” the IRS says. Under certain circumstances, disaster-affected taxpayers who reside or have a business outside the disaster-declared counties can phone the IRS Disaster Help Line at 866-562-5227 to request relief. Residents within the declared areas are automatically identified by IRS software and need not file relief requests.
Casualty losses that were not covered by insurance or other reimbursements like state and federal grants can be deducted from a taxpayer’s gross income on either their 2011 or 2012 tax return. If anyone wants to claim a casualty-loss deduction on his or her 2011 return and wishes to have any refund expedited, he or she should note “West Virginia/Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides and Landslides” at the top of the tax form.
Assistance grants from state or federal sources do not count in a taxpayer’s gross income, nor do they affect the amount of Social Security one receives.
IRS rules and regulations tend to be complicated. Taxpayers should consult their tax preparers to make sure they qualify for relief under the applicable Section (7508A) of the Federal Tax Code. Information is also available online at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-829-1040 for individual taxpayer help or 800-829-4933 for business help. Or visit any of the seven IRS offices in West Virginia. Call 211 for locations.
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.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
FEMA WARNS OF APRIL HEAVY RAINS AND SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODS
FROM: FEMA
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)