FEMA

MADISON, Wis., June 23, 2008 -- Regardless of where they live, Wisconsin residents with storm damage who have applied for federal disaster assistance may visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) now have seven DRCs open in storm-damaged southern Wisconsin counties (see attached listing) and will open more in the near future.    » read more »

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 23, 2008 -- The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Cedar Rapids. The center is specifically designed to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by the flooding.

“Due to the severe property damage and economic loss these floods inflicted on businesses in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said Steven Smith, Chief of the Executive Office of Disaster Strategic Planning and Operations. “This center will provide a single one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help,” he added.    » read more »

ATLANTA, Ga., June 23, 2008 -- Families and individuals in Bolivar, Warren, Washington and Wilkinson counties who suffered damage from severe storms and flooding that began March 20 have two weeks to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The deadline is July 7.

Those who have not yet registered should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number for the speech- or hearing-impaired is 1-800-462-7585. The registration line is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, including July 4. Online, register anytime at fema.gov.    » read more »

Focus Turns To Recovery In Some Areas In The Midwest

June 17, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Preparedness activities by federal, state and local authorities are focusing on the areas between Quad Cities and St. Louis, Mo., with concerns high for Quincy, Ill., where flooding is expected to equal levels reached by the 1993 Midwest Flood. Planning is underway for potential major operations involving debris removal, hazardous materials cleanup, health and medical support, long-term transportation closures and housing.    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- THE PRESIDENT: I've just assembled my -- many people on my domestic policy team to discuss the current flooding in the Midwest. Of course, our hearts and thoughts go to those who lost life. And of course, we're concerned about those whose -- who lost their homes or lost their businesses.

George W. Bush offers media a photo opportunity on Midwest flood relief: White House photo

I've been briefed by Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Schafer and Director Paulison about the response. First task at hand is to deal with the flood waters, to anticipate where the flooding may next occur, and to work with the state and local authorities to deal with the response.    » read more »

Individual Assistance Now Available in Seven Counties; Others Expected to Follow

June 16, 2008 -- MADISON — Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a state of disaster for Richland and Racine counties, bringing the number of Wisconsin counties where individual assistance is available to seven.

FEMA over the weekend made federal assistance available to those living in Columbia, Crawford, Milwaukee, Sauk and Vernon counties and is conducting damage assessments to allow declarations in other counties.    » read more »

June 16, 2008 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that individuals in Columbia, Crawford, Racine, Richland, Milwaukee, Sauk, and Vernon counties affected by the recent severe storms and floods that began on June 5, 2008 will be eligible to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to unemployed workers who worked or were self employed if they:

* worked or were self employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self employment, in one of the affected counties; or were unable to reach their employment because they must travel though the affected area;    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) were joined today by members of the Illinois Delegation in asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide immediate assistance to help the State of Illinois prepare for the anticipated flooding of the Mississippi River and other waterways.

Mississippi River floodwaters in Missouri: Photo by eagle102 (CC)    » read more »

June 13, 2007 -- Lincoln, Neb. -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today submitted a request to President George W. Bush for a federal disaster declaration following several weeks of severe storms that have produced tornadoes, high winds, lightning, and flooding throughout much of Nebraska.

Damage assessments from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate at least $22 million in damages to public infrastructure.    » read more »

June 9, 2008 -- George W. Bush yesterday declared a major disaster exists in the State of Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on June 6, 2008, and continuing.

Flooding in Columbus, Indiana, June 2008: Photo by Glenn J. Ward (CC)    » read more »

AUGUSTA, Maine, June 3, 2008 -- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to people whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the recent severe storms and flooding in Aroostook and Penobscot Counties. Those who were prevented from starting a new job or self-employment, or who are no longer working normal hours due to this disaster may also qualify for DUA assistance.

The deadline to register for DUA is approaching. Residents of Aroostook County must apply by June 13 and residents of Penobscot County must apply by June 18.    » read more »

June 03, 2008 -- BATON ROUGE – Today, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal sent a letter to President Bush through FEMA Region VI to request that a “major disaster” be declared for Louisiana as a result of the flooding, torrential rainfall, damaging winds and tornado activity from May 13th to May 15th.

Governor Jindal requested a major disaster declaration for the parishes of Bossier, Caddo, East Carroll, Livingston, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes. The letter is included below:

Honorable George W. Bush, President
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Through:
Regional Director
FEMA Region VI
800 North Loop 288
Denton, TX 76209-3698

RE: Application for Presidential Disaster Declaration

Dear Mr. President:    » read more »

HONOLULU -- The Coast Guard is urging all mariners to practice safe boating and be prepared for the 2008 hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility. Government agencies have a responsibility to alert citizens and respond to those in distress.

Hurricane aftermath: Photo by Scott Baldwin (CC)

Those in the path of an approaching storm have an individual responsibility to stay alert, heed warnings and insure the safety of themselves and their families.    » read more »

May 29, 2008 -- Oklahoma City -- Federal authorities have approved public assistance for Craig, Latimer and Ottawa counties to help those communities recover from the deadly May 10 tornadoes.

Public assistance will deliver federal funding to assist cities, towns and counties with infrastructure repairs and costs associated with responding to the May 10 storms. Assistance for individuals has already been approved.

“I am thankful that FEMA and President Bush have responded quickly to help these communities,” Gov. Henry said. “The damage resulting from these storms was some of the worst I have ever seen, and these communities need help repairing buildings and power lines and covering the cost of debris removal.”    » read more »

May 28, 2008 -- ATLANTA - Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”    » read more »