HURRICANE SANDY-ONE WEEK LATER

Fairfield Beach, Conn., Nov. 5, 2012 -- Salt water entered the homes in this neighborhood destroying heating systems, furniture and appliances. FEMA will be assisting in the cleanup effort with Public Assistance funding. Photo by Marilee Caliendo-FEMA

FROM:  FEMA
More than $210 Million Approved in Individual Assistance

One week ago today, millions of Americans from North Carolina to Maine braced for Hurricane Sandy. For more than 12 hours, hurricane and tropical storm force winds, storm surge, and flooding impacted 12 states; and more than eight million people lost power. Transportation systems in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, DC came to a halt, and more than 12,000 commercial flights were grounded. And for the first time since 1888, the New York Stock Exchange was closed for two consecutive days because of a natural disaster. But we are a resilient nation:

As of 3 p.m. Monday, November 5, more than 234,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $210 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance. Individuals and businesses should visit www.disasterassistance.gov for more information on how to register with FEMA.
Disaster Recovery Centers continue to open in the hardest hit areas. Twelve Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, two in New Jersey and three in Connecticut and more continue to open.
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.
To search for emergency shelters operated by the American Red Cross, you can visit the Red Cross website.
In support of New York and New Jersey, FEMA has transferred resources such as food, water, and fuel to the states to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution (POD) sites. These POD sites can be located by visiting: http://www.nyc.gov/html/index.html; www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/foodandwater.html; http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm; http://statenislandusa.com/; http://www.governor.ct.gov and http://www.governor.wv.gov/Pages/StormUpdate.aspx.
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.
FEMA has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for New Jersey and New York. This program allows eligible survivors who cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.
Looking ahead to the winter storm forecasted to hit the East Coast Wednesday evening, FEMA is urging residents to be safe as cold weather temperatures threaten areas impacted by the Hurricane Sandy. The risk of fires increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters and any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential carbon monoxide source. Ensure both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and if using a generator keep it as far away from your home as possible – away from doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.

U.S. NAVY HARD AT WORK AFTER HURRICANE SANDY

FROM: U.S. NAVY
U.S. Navy Seabees works to repair pier facilities in Hobobken, N.J. The U.S. Navy has positioned forces in the area to assist U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) in support of FEMA and local civil authorities following the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard (Released) 121103-M-BS001-259

 

Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Micheal Binley from Scandinavia, Wis., assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), cuts through a damaged ferry slip brace using an oxyacetylene torch, at Hoboken Transit Terminal, N.J. Wasp, USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) are positioned in New York City harbor to provide relief support to areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Stenberg (Released) 121103-N-KA456-220

RECENT FEMA HURRICANE SANDY PHOTOS

 

 

FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AENCY

Fairfield Beach, Conn., Nov. 3, 2012 --Community Relations Specialists Helaine Kephart and John Kosciolek provide information to a homeowner. Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in the field, providing information and answering questions for storm survivors seeing their homes for the first time since evacuating for Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Marilee Caliendo-FEMA

Rockaway, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2012 --Local residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy get water and meals ready to eat from National Guard troops at a Point of Distribution on Roackway Point Boulevard. Jocelyn Augustino-FEMA

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTO

121103-N-OX587-004 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 3, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) underway in the Atlantic Ocean after completing a 7-and-a-half month deployment to support operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian seas. Enterprise is completing its final deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ryan de Vera/Released)

FEMA USES AIR GUARD BASE FOR HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCYStaff Sgt. Joshua Wishmyer signals to his brother Staff Sgt. John Wishmyer as he moves a pallet of boxed meals at the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing based in Martinsburg W.Va., Nov. 1, 2012. The 167th is serving as a staging area for disaster relief supplies which will then be transported throughout West Virginia as needed. The West Virginia National Guard has over 200 members aiding in recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy. The storm blanketed the state with heavy snow and rains and also had severe winds that left homes and properties damaged. Guardsmen are involved in numerous aspects of the operations from search-and-rescue missions to debris removal. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle  

FEMA Employs Air Guard Base for Storm Relief
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein
167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard

MARTINSBURG, Nov. 2, 2012 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing base here as a staging area to push out much-needed storm relief supplies to Mountain State residents hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy.

Airmen and soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard are working in tandem to ensure the emergency supplies trucked in from around the country will be distributed to those in need. Operations spun up yesterday morning at the base with approximately three-and-a-half million liters of water and 600,000 self-heating emergency meals, as well as infant and toddler supplies slated to be delivered in the coming days.

"We will maintain 80 to 100 truckloads [of supplies] here at all times," said Joe D'Angelo, FEMA's Incident Management Assistance Team logistics chief for Region III.

D'Angelo said he expects the base to be used as a staging area through at least next week.

Two companies from the West Virginia Army National Guard's 77th Brigade are tasked with distributing the needed supplies to Mountain State residents. Citizen soldiers from the 1201st Forward Support Company and Delta 230th FSC will take to the roadways to drop off the supplies.

"We're going to turn them into ice truckers," said Army Master Sgt. Keith Bibb, property book officer for the 77th Brigade.

As of yesterday evening, the 120 citizen soldiers assigned to the mission were awaiting their first marching orders to begin distribution of the supplies.

"We're loaded, cocked and ready to go," Bibb said. "We are staged waiting for our mission."

FEMA SAYS INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED OVER $100 MILLION IN ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE SANDY DISASTER

FROM: FEMASoldiers from the 249th Engineer Battalion walk past their pumps in Battery Park in lower Manhattan, New York City, Nov. 2, 2012. The pumps are draining an underpass flooded by Hurricane Sandy. DOD photo by EJ Hersom

Latest Updates from the FEMA Blog: FEMA’s Assistance to Individuals Over $100 Million
Release date:
November 3, 2012
Release Number:
HQ-12-135
As many people across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy, members of the entire emergency management team, including the federal, state, tribal, and local governments, the faith based and non-profit communities, and the public, are working tirelessly to support those across the impacted area. As of this morning, more than 122,000 people have registered for disaster assistance and more than $107 million in assistance has already been approved. Here’s a breakdown of disaster assistance by state:
New York: over 69,000 registered; more than $75 million in assistance approved
New Jersey: over 49,000 registered; more than $31 million in assistance approved
Connecticut: over 2,400 registered; more than $368,000 in assistance approved
These numbers continue to increase as residential power is being restored and those affected are able to register for assistance with FEMA online, as well as through the 800 number. If you’ve live in an eligible county and have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, we encourage you to apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) TTY 1-800-462-7585 or if you have access to the internet, applying online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Additionally, as many people have been without power for several days, fuel continues to be a top priority for FEMA. Under direction of President Obama, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) purchased up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. Tanker trucks have distributed fuel throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm. There are currently 10 fuel sites throughout New York and New Jersey where residents can refuel their cars and get gas for generators and other necessities. We are committed to continuing our support in Hurricane Sandy response and recovery efforts.

To read more and to view photos highlighting our ongoing response and recovery efforts as we work to assist those residents affected by Hurricane Sandy, see today’s FEMA Blog.

PRESIDENT OBAMA STAYS INFORMED ON HURRICANE SANDY



President Barack Obama receives an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy, in the Situation Room of the White House, Oct. 29 2012. Participating via teleconference, clockwise from top left, are: Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano; FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate; Rick Knabb, Director of the National Hurricane Center; Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood; and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. Pictured, from left, are: Clark Stevens, Assistant Press Secretary; Emmett Beliveau, Director of the Office of the Chief of Staff; John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Richard Reed, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security; Chuck Donnell, Senior Director for Resilience; Asha Tribble, Senior Director for Response; Chief of Staff Jack Lew; Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations; Press Secretary Jay Carney; and David Agnew, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

FROM: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Obama Gets Storm Relief Update at FEMA Headquarters
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2012 - President Barack Obama today convened a briefing at the National Response Coordination Center at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters here to receive the latest update on federal efforts to support state and local response and recovery activities for Hurricane Sandy, according to a White House news release.

At FEMA headquarters, the release said, Obama was joined by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator William Craig Fugate, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Richard Reed, and other senior officials.

Secretary of Transportation Raymond H. LaHood, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Northern Command commander Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. joined the briefing by phone, according to the release.

On the call Obama received an update from the National Weather Service, including a forecast on a coastal low pressure system that could be moving into the area in coming days, and spoke directly with a number of state and local officials, who also joined by phone, including Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as well as New York City borough presidents and mayors from across the affected area.

This conversation provided the president and his team another opportunity to discuss specific challenges with state and local leaders, including issues related to power generation, fuel challenges, and long-term housing needs among others, the release said.

Obama made clear that all available resources would be employed to support the deployment of necessary assets, and directed his team to continue to focus on identifying and removing any barriers to the movement of these resources, according to the release. On Nov. 1, following a conversation between the president and utility executives, the Department of Defense airlifted utility resources, including bucket trucks and other assets, from California to New York to support power restoration efforts.

FEMA announced Nov. 2 that the president directed the Defense Logistics Agency to purchase up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts, the release said. This purchase will be transported by tanker trucks and distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm. This announcement, the release said, followed a decision earlier in the day to provide a temporary blanket waiver to the Jones Act, to ensure tankers could move oil and refined gas to the New York area as quickly as possible.

On today's call, following a discussion of additional resources available to individuals impacted by the storm, the president also directed SBA Administrator Karen Mills to brief local officials directly on the low-cost loans available through the FEMA Disaster Declarations provided to eligible families, according to the release.

The President thanked the state and local officials on the call for their hard work, and specifically praised the heroic efforts of the first responders still on the front lines, and told his team that continuing to surge all available resources was his top priority, the release said. The President closed by making clear he expected no letup in these efforts.

　

RECENT FEMA PHOTOS

FROM: FEMA
Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2012 -- Tanker trucks distribute fuel to residents in New York who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) purchased up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. Photo By Walt Jennings-FEMA

Cape May, N.J., Nov. 2, 2012 -- Houses in Reeds Beach suffered severe damage during Hurricane Sandy. FEMA is working with many partners and organizations to assist residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Liz Roll/FEMA

U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND PREPARES TO DEPLOY AS HURRICANE SANDY MOVES IN

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, , FEMA, STATUS
Storm waters floods Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, N.J., and the surrounding area, Oct. 29, 2012, as Hurricane Sandy moves into the area. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge and coastal hurricane winds. U.S. Coast Guard photo

From a U.S. Northern Command News Release
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Oct. 29, 2012 – U.S. Northern Command is poised to provide Defense Department support to Federal Emergency Management Agency, tribal, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Sandy.

Northcom Supports Government’s Storm Response Efforts

Part of Northcom’s defense support of civil authorities mission directs the command to plan and anticipate actions that it may need to take to support civil authorities.

Support efforts include:

-- Defense Department activation of defense coordinating officers and defense coordinating elements to support FEMA Regions 1, 2, and 3, with coordinating elements from Regions 4, 7, and 9 providing additional surge support to Regions 1, 2, and 3;

-- Northcom has identified active duty deputies to deploy in support of designated dual-status commanders, and is currently working with officials from Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. These active duty deputies facilitate active duty force employment under dual-status leadership should active duty assets be required.

-- Northcom has placed the following defense support of civil authorities forces on 24-hour "Prepare to deploy" status in response to anticipated FEMA requests to mitigate or respond to effects of Hurricane Sandy: light- and medium-lift helicopters; medium- and heavy-lift helicopters; pararescue teams; information awareness and assessment aircraft; Tactical Common Data Link; Rover video receiver systems; and fixed-wing aircraft.

-- Northcom is deploying joint regional medical planners to the regions.

-- Northcom has activated Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; and Dover Air Force Base, Del., as incident support bases for staging federal support equipment and supplies. Fort Devens, Mass., has been designated a federal team staging facility.

-- The Air Force Northern national security emergency preparedness directorate deployed emergency preparedness liaison officers to assist civil authorities in preparing for relief efforts.

-- Air Force Northern officials deployed joint air component coordination elements to Philadelphia, Boston and Trenton, N.J.

-- Northcom’s Joint Personnel Recovery Center, in support of Air Force Northern’s joint force air component commander, is pre-positioning search and rescue forces.

-- All Defense Department installations have been directed to offer support to local community requests for assistance, including providing staging and bed-down for utility recovery teams assigned to restore power.

EASTERN U.S. PREPARES FOR SANDY

 FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
 Sandy Makes Landfall Over Cuba 
Early in the morning on Oct. 25, 2012, the Suomi NPP satellite passed over Hurricane Sandy after it made landfall over Cuba and Jamaica, capturing this highly detailed infrared imagery, showing areas of deep convection around the central eye. Besides the highly detailed infrared imagery, the satellite shows visible-like imagery of the cloud tops, along with the city lights of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Image Credit-NOAA-NASA

Readout of Secretary Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Fugate’s Calls to Governors and Mayors as Preparations for Hurricane Sandy Continue

Release date:
October 27, 2012
Release Number:
HQ-12-110
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today reached out to the governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and the mayors of New York and Washington, D.C., to make sure the governors’ and mayors’ teams had the support they need as they continue to prepare for Hurricane Sandy.

"At the direction of the President, DHS and FEMA continue to work closely with our state and local partners to identify and address needs early as communities prepare for this storm," said Secretary Napolitano. "FEMA and other federal partners are already sending teams and resources into potentially impacted areas to support state and local preparedness efforts, and Administrator Fugate and I continue to urge those along the East Coast to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and continue to follow the guidance and direction of their state and local officials."

Earlier today, President Obama convened a call with Secretary Napolitano, Administrator Fugate, National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan to receive an update on ongoing federal actions to prepare for Hurricane Sandy as it moves toward the United States mainland. The President reiterated his direction to Administrator Fugate to ensure that federal partners continue to bring all available resources to bear to support state and local responders in potentially affected areas along the Eastern seaboard as they prepare for severe weather.

Residents in potentially impacted states are encouraged to listen to the directions of state and local officials and have an emergency plan, including local evacuation routes, places to evacuate or seek shelter, family contact information and important paperwork. For more information, visit Ready.gov (Listo.gov para español) for tips on creating a family emergency plan, getting an emergency kit and taking other steps to prepare.

U.S. GOVERNMENT JOINS LAWSUIT AGAINST GALLUP FOR VIOLATION OF FALSE CLAIMS ACT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

US Government Joins False Claims Act Lawsuit Against the Gallup Organization

Suit Alleges Polling Firm Overcharged Government on Contracts

The United States has joined a whistleblower lawsuit against The Gallup Organization, the Justice Department announced today. The lawsuit was filed by Michael Lindley, a former Gallup employee, who alleges that Gallup violated the False Claims Act by making false claims for payment under contracts with the U.S. Mint, the State Department and other federal agencies to provide polling services for various government programs.

According to the whistleblower’s complaint, Gallup violated the False Claims Act by giving the government inflated estimates of the number of hours that it would take to perform its services, even though it had separate and lower internal estimates of the number of hours that would be required. The complaint further alleges that the government paid Gallup based on the inflated estimates, rather than Gallup’s lower internal estimates. The government intervened in the lawsuit with respect to Gallup’s contracts with the Mint and the State Department.

"Contractors must understand that it is unlawful to use inflated estimates to obtain higher contract prices," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s Civil Division. "The decision to join this civil lawsuit underscores the commitment of the Department of Justice to recover federal funds that are unlawfully claimed."

The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, wh ich permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for submission of false claims to the government. The private plaintiffs are entitled to receive a share of any funds recovered through the lawsuit. The False Claims Act authorizes the United States to intervene in such a lawsuit and take over primary responsibility for litigating it. The False Claims Act allows for recovery of three times the government’s losses, plus civil penalties.

"Contractors who do business with the federal government must honor their obligations to provide honest services and products," said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. "Working with relators and federal investigators, we will do all that we can to act against those who illegitimately bill the American taxpayers."

In its notice announcing intervention, the United States also indicated that it plans to assert additional claims related to Gallup’s subcontract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These claims relate to allegations in the whistleblower lawsuit that Gallup negotiated for employment with a FEMA official who was responsible for Gallup’s subcontract while, at the same time, Gallup was seeking to obtain additional funding from FEMA for Gallup’s subcontract.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the District of Columbia, is captioned U.S. ex rel. Lindley v. The Gallup Organization, 09-cv-01985. The claims made in the complaint are only allegati ons and do not constitute a determination of liability.

FEMA'S ONLINE ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING COURSE

FROM:  FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

The protection of the Nation’s critical infrastructure from all-hazards threats is a shared responsibility between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the public and private sector partners who own and operate vital assets and facilities. The DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate’s Office of Infrastructure Protection leads the Department’s efforts to strengthen public and private sector operations by securing critical infrastructure and assisting owners and operators to prepare for threats from all hazards, including events like an active shooter. In light of the shooter event in Aurora, Colorado this email is to serve as a reminder about the information, products and training that is available.

Online Training

DHS developed an online Independent Study Course titled Active Shooter: What You Can Do. This 45-minute course was developed in consultation with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Hospitality, Entertainment, and Tourism Security Council to provide guidance on how to prevent and prepare for a potential active shooter incident.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Describe the actions to take when confronted with an active shooter and to assist responding law enforcement officials;
Recognize potential workplace violence indicators;
Describe actions to take to prevent and prepare for potential active shooter incidents; and
Explain how to manage the consequences of an active shooter incident.
The online training is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute at www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS907.asp.
Active Shooter Resources

DHS has also developed a booklet and poster, with assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department of Virginia, the National Retail Federation, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, to assist facilities owners and operators to prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
Topics covered in the "Active Shooter How to Respond" booklet and poster includes:
Profile of an active shooter;
Practices for coping with an active shooter;
How individuals should respond when an active shooter enters their vicinity;
How individuals should respond when law enforcement arrives on the scene;
Responsibilities of human resources departments and facility managers in preparing for and managing an active shooter situation; and
Tips for recognizing signs of potential workplace violence; and managing the consequences of an active shooter situation.
Additional resource materials include the Active Shooter Booklet, the Active Shooter Poster (English and Spanish), the Active Shooter Pocket Card (English and Spanish), and the Active Shooter/Suicide Bomber Awareness Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program Card can be found at www.dhs.gov/cfsector.

Webinars

In September 2011, DHS hosted the Active Shooter Awareness Virtual Roundtable, a Webinar designed to help private and public sector partners understand the importance of developing an emergency response plan and the need to train employees on how to respond if confronted with an active shooter.

An archived version of the Webinar, which includes presentations from a former police officer and a behavioral psychologist, as well as a video produced with assistance from the Federal Protective Service, can be viewed on demand at www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1231165582452.shtm.

Live Workshops

The Department and its partners host monthly day-long workshop events, including presentations from law enforcement and behavioral subject matter experts, guest speakers, and facilitated discussions. Since the program’s inception in December 2008, nearly 4,000 people have participated in DHS co-sponsored active shooter workshops. Thirty workshops have been scheduled for Fiscal Year 2012 in various cities across the country.

PRESIDENT OBAMA THANKED FIREFIGHTERS, VOWS TO MARSHAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Photo:  Colorado Fire.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force Photo By Master Sgt. Jeremy Lock

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
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, Colo.: Fifty air drops, employing approximately 133,500 gallons of flame retardant;
-- Flagstaff Fire, near Boulder, Colo.,: Five air drops, employing about 13,200 gallons of flame retardant; and

-- Arapahoe National Forrest Fire, Colo.,: 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 U.S. Forest Service also may choose to base one or more aircraft in other operating areas.

THE VERMONT RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE IRENE PARTLY INVOLVES GETTING READY FOR NEXT DISASTER

FROM:  U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Woodstock, Vt., May 23, 2012 -- The reopening of the Woodstock Farmers Market. The market sustained severe damages from Hurricane Irene. Photo by Wendell Davis/FEMA 

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- With the 2012 hurricane season officially starting on June 1 and the effects of Tropical Storm Irene still visible in many areas of Vermont, federal, state, and local officials worked together this week to get ready for the next time a disaster strikes the state.

Community leaders from Richmond and Huntington took part in a two-day course offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross on Community Mass Care and Emergency Assistance.  Community agencies, public and private organizations, and businesses are trained to work together with emergency management and traditional mass care providers to provide services to those affected by a disaster.
The course in Richmond on May 23–24 was a pilot program. This is only the second time it has been held anywhere in the United States.

“This was an ideal location to pilot the Mass Care and Emergency Assistance training,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “Irene and last spring’s storms are still fresh in people’s minds and this is when it is easier to commit time to doing something that will have long-term effects.”

Across Vermont, every Secretary and Commissioner in state government went through special in-depth emergency training at Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) this week to prepare for the next emergency event.

“This training is part of our mission to build back stronger following Irene. Training for emergency response will help our state hone its response for the next big storm,” said Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding. “Our state employees performed with great skill and dedication during and after Tropical Storm Irene, and have learned many lessons from that experience. We know that success in an emergency depends upon being well prepared for the next event.”

VEM staff ran the executives through Incident Command basics, Emergency Operations Plans, and Continuity of Operations Planning among many other tenets of emergency response.  The integration of all state agencies has long been an important part of Vermont’s emergency response, and those agencies have representatives at Vermont’s Emergency Operations Center during incidents.

In addition to government entities, individuals also need to take responsibility when damaging weather is moving in their direction.  Families need to keep an eye on the sky and have an emergency kit and a plan for communicating with each other if they are separated in a storm.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

FEMA ON THE COMMERCIAL MOBILE ALERT SYSTEM (CMAS)

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia
FROM:  FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hurricane Season begins June 1, 2012, FEMA is providing additional tools for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officials to alert and warn the public about severe weather.  Using the Commercial Mobile Alert System, or CMAS, which is a part of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, this structure will be used to deliver Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to wireless carriers for distribution to the public.

The CMAS system will allow the National Weather Service to soon begin issuing WEAs for the most dangerous weather through participating wireless carriers directly to cell phones. The alerts will be broadcast by cell towers much like an AM/FM radio station, and cell phones within range will immediately pick up the signal, provided they are capable of receiving these alerts. The availability of WEA alerts will be dependent on the network status of the wireless carriers and handset availability, since not all cell phones can receive WEAs.  People should check with their cellular carriers to see if WEA alerts are available in their area.

“The wireless emergency alert capability provides an additional opportunity for the public to receive life-saving information needed to get out of harm’s way when a threat exists,” said Timothy Manning, FEMA deputy administrator for protection and national preparedness.  “The public also has a critical role in their personal preparedness. There are a few simple steps that everyone can take to be prepared, like knowing which risks exist in your area and making a family emergency plan.  Information and resources to help individuals and families prepare can be found at ready.gov.”

WEAs will look like a text message, and will automatically appear on the mobile device screen showing the type and time of alert along with any action that should be taken.  The message will be no more than 90 characters, and will have a unique tone and vibration, indicating a WEA has been received.  If an alert is received, citizens should follow the instructions and seek additional information from radio, television, NOAA Weather Radio, and other official sources for emergency information.  Citizens should only call 911 in a life threatening situation.

Only authorized federal, state, local, tribal or territorial officials can send WEA alerts to the public. As with all new cellular services, it will take time for upgrades in infrastructure, coverage, and handset technology to allow WEA alerts to reach all cellular customers.
FEMA urges individuals and businesses to take action to prepare themselves in advance of severe weather and hurricanes such as taking the pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/pledge.  This is the first step in making sure  you and your family are ready for an emergency  This includes filling out your family communications plan that you can email to yourself, assembling an emergency kit , keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved.

With the start of hurricanes season it is even more important to know your risk, take action, and be an example. While hurricanes often offer some warning that a threat is approaching, severe weather can occur at anytime and in any place, including high winds, inland flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.

For more on family preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes for more planning information and safety tips.

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.

NEW FEMA WATCH CENTER OPENS IN ATALANTA GEORGIA

FROM:  FEMA

Atlanta, Ga., May 7, 2012 -- Administrator W. Craig Fugate visits Region IV for the opening and ribbon cutting of the new watch center. The Watch Center is the initial point of response to All-hazards events occurring in the Region and makes initial contact with States and other Federal agencies during significant events. Tim Burkitt/FEMA 

SOME FLOOD VICTIMS DON’T MOVE BACK; THEY MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND

FROM:  FEMA
Photo: West Virginia Flood Aftermath.  Credit:   FEMA
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

FEMA SAYS NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COULD EXPIRE MAY 31, 2012

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.

RESTORING POWER AFTER A DISASTER AND KEEPING 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.

FEMA WARNS TO WATCH OUT FOR SPRING STORMS

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.