Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) News

Roads and pipes were destroyed bythe landslides cause by severe storm. Photo by Yuisa Rios/FEMA People of four West Virginia counties who suffered losses in June Severe storm register today with FEMA for disaster assistance to overcome the trauma. Homeowners, renters and business owners in the four West Virginia counties who suffered losses in the June severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides can begin the process of applying for federal and state disaster assi...

A step towards ASFM by earning 12 Continuing Education Credits at Hazus conference Earn 12 CECs Towards Your CFM® Certification at the HAZUS Conference! If you are a Certified Floodplain Manager you can receive 12 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) towards your Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) CFM recertification by participating in the HAZUS Conference. Map Gallery Deadline June 30thYou are invited to participate in the 4th Annual HAZUS conference b...

Scores of volunteers cutting tree limbs, removing debris, cleaning mold from flooded homes, and giving comfort With the support of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Kentucky volunteers use every method possible to identify people who need a hand-up to start them back on the road to recovery. In the first days after the May storms raged through Kentucky, the television images were dramatic and heart-breaking: scores of volunteers cutting tree li...

Fireworks with safety and precautionsadds more spark and funto the occasion FEMA and USFA warned that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can spoil parties and picnic so, follow the safety tips to enjoy the occassion. Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless hand...

Spend some time each day giving each child your undivided attention, even if just for a few minutes Children's caregivers should be alert to signs of trouble and how to handle them. It's important for parents and guardians to keep in mind that children can be particularly vulnerable to stress as a result of the May severe storms and flooding. "Children may suffer from anxiety because of disaster losses and the upheaval of family life," said Debborah Arnold, Executive Directo...

Ignore rumors and recover soon with the help of disaster assistance programPhoto: Patsy Lynch/FEMA Nothing travels faster than a rumor, but rumors and misunderstandings can block your path to getting the help you need to recover from the early May storms. With less than a month left to register for help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants you to have the right information about the many disaster assistance programs available to help you get back on the r...

          Thunderstorm over Toronto            Photo: John R. Southern Lightening accounts for more average deaths per year than tornado. The full last week of June, National Lightening Safety Awareness Week not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightening season. Outside is the most dangerous place...

NVFC resource will help people to check out for proper resources in the time catastrophes The NVFC created the resource center to help communities tackle and overcome aftermaths of hurricane disasters. Hurricane season is from June 1-November 30, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be active to extremely active. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) wants to help communities be ready...

Storm and flood hit residents are concentrating on the ways of repairing and rebuilding homes Whether repairing, rebuilding, building for the first time, or making home improvements, this is an ideal time to incorporate disaster-resistant measures. Over the next three weeks, teams of hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be available at six home improvement stores in Connecticut to provide information and answer residents' que...

Proper emergency management and communication plan helps in overcoming catastrophic situations State and Federal emergency management professionals encourage individuals and families to be ready in case there is an emergency. Every one should have a plan, know what to do and when to do it during an emergency and have a fully equipped emergency supply kit packed and ready to go. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and family members for the first 72 hours that...

FEMA organized seminars would help in better co-ordination between rescue organizations and disaster hit people  "Recovery Tools & Training" seminars are meant to propel help and resources for people affected by catastrophes and calamities. The shock is over, but the work continues. As communities, neighborhoods and individuals absorb the repercussions of recent disasters and put forth a tremendous amount of effort to repair, rebuild and recover, the opportunity rem...

Family and friends are a big support for children affected by disasters and catstrophes  Children can be especially vulnerable to stress following a disaster, such as the severe storms and record-setting flooding between April 30 and May 18. Of the 61,375 households that have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to date, nearly a third include children younger than 18. Preschoolers, children and teenagers who witnessed their home being damaged o...

Safety guidelines should be adhered while using fireworks In 2008, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. Every year in the United States, Fourth of July is celebrated with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks - the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public display...

Awareness should be spread about preparation against hurricanes FEMA continues to work with its state, local and federal partners to increase preparedness and coordinate response against hurricanes. June 1 marked the official start of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season that runs through the end of November. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) spent the day urging American families, businesses and communities to take every possible precaution to prep...

Everyone should take steps now to help keep themselves and their family safe during a hurricane Staying informed about ever-changing conditions and instructions is critically important in any emergency. The 2010 hurricane season begins on June 1, and experts predict it will be more active than usual. With hurricane season upon us, officials from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management urge residents to ensure that their famili...

An online tutuorial provides information on firefighters grant applications About $390 million will be distributed through the current AFG grant cycle. The application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) opened on April 26, and applications must be received by May 28. AFG meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations by funding critically needed equipment, protective gear, em...

Disasters officials often stress on the need to prevent rumors and false information among disaster hit people During the first few weeks following a disaster, survivors, still dazed by the trauma, may be easily misled by half-truths and rumors. Common misconceptions can lead to slow recovery and possibly prevent some eligible survivors from getting help. Stresses and uncertainties caused by the tornadoes that stormed across Mississippi in April and May make it easy for rumor...

Boyce is an experienced emergency manager both at state and local level Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate has applauded President Obama's appointment of Don R. Boyce as FEMA Regional Administrator for Region I, which encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  "Regional Administrators are crucial to our ability to respond effectively to emergencies based on the needs of the communities we s...

The annual preparedness grants will go towards preparation for meeting disasters and emergencies The critical infrastructure and preparedness grants announced include specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of grant applicants to maximize funding and also incorporate inputs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the fiscal year 2010 Preparedness Grants for nine federal programs including critical infrastructure-related gran...

The annual conference is a meeting ground for volnteer and non-profit organizations The annual conference brings volunteer organizations together to share knowledge and coordinate to help disaster survivors and their communities. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on Thursday addressed the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) conference in Orlando. FEMA and National VOAD also signed a Memorandum of Understandin...

AFG applications must be received by May 28 The grant meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. The application period for Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) has opened. Applications must be received by May 28. AFG meets the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations by funding critically needed eq...

AFG funds boost up equipments, facilities, training materials and resources AFG would provide a huge sum of $390 million to fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations. The Department of Homeland Security opened the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period on Monday April 26, 2010. Nationally AFG awards will provide fire departments and non affiliated emergency medical service organizations with approximately $390 million...

Residential properties suffer major losses due to fire accidents involving grills and barbeques Grills, hibachis, and barbecues in residential properties continue to carry a high fire accident risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of grill fires on residential properties. The report, Grill Fires on Residential Properties (PDF, 663 Kb), was...

Secretary of U.S Homeland Security was present at the historic agreement to battle natural disasters The historic event to cope up with natural disasters is an important step forward in bolstering collaboration between the United States and Australia in preparing for and responding to natural disasters. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to s...

Online assistance from FEMA has increased the number of flood survivor applications FEMA’s robust online and social media efforts have been very effective in educating flood survivors about disaster assistance. Registering online for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is becoming a popular method for New Jersey flooding survivors who have access to the Internet. As of April 28, 7,523 flood survivors in the 12 designated New Jersey counties re...

FEMA has advised recipients to use disaster grants for intended purposes only.  Photo: Bdelisle Nearly $9 million in recovery assistance has been approved for disaster affected areas. State and federal disaster assistance payments are bringing needed financial help to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages in the severe storms and flooding of mid-March. However, those payments come with some words of advice from the Federal Emergency Manag...

Follow simple emergency measures to protect against volcanic eruptions. Photo: Mark A. Wilson Potentially active volcanoes in the U.S. exist mainly in Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. With the recent eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, it is important to remember that the United States also has the potential for volcanic activity.  When pressure builds up within a volcano's molten rock, it has the potential to erupt, sending forth lava...

The AFG programme is administered by Department of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Guidance on the AFG Web site. The application period is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 26, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applications for these grants must be received by Friday, May 28, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases...

Webinar will be in two phases meant for animal care and preparedness during disasters  Community Preparedness Webinar Series, an initiative of FEMA, features new community preparedness topics several times each month and is free to the public. FEMA’s Individual & Community Preparedness Division organised a two part installment of the Community Preparedness Webinar Series in honor of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 8th: "The...

Andrew Velasquez brings his work experience in emergency management to the new post Andrew Velasquez III brings extensive experience in emergency management at the state and local level. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today applauded President Obama's appointment of Andrew Velasquez III as FEMA Regional Administrator for Region V, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. "Regional Administrators...