Homeowners rebuilding after the spring floods can receive valuable information from hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at hardware stores in Middle Tennessee, beginning Monday, Aug. 2.
The specialists can answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster damage, as well as offer other home improvement tips and techniques. Topics will include mold and mildew cleanup and prevention, flood insurance, flood and wind-resistant building methods, wind straps and other measures to make homes stronger and safer. Publications on these topics will also be available.
FEMA mitigation specialists will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:
Aug. 2 through Aug. 6
•Mitchum True Value, 17 E. Front St., Erin, TN 37061.
Aug. 2 through Aug. 7
•True Value Hardware, 810 N. Locust Ave., Lawrenceburg, TN 38464;
•Lowe’s, 10 Campbell Road, Madison, TN 37115.
There is no cost to talk with the specialists.
Showing posts with label disaster recovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disaster recovery. Show all posts
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Additional Federal Flood Assistance Coming to Tennessee Communities
A supplemental war funding bill passed by Congress and sent to the President this week included a provision to provide more than $200 million in federal aid for Tennessee communities impacted by the 2010 flood.
See this article
from the Tennessean for more information.
According to a spokesman from the Governor's office, one of the most significant provisions of the bill would be a reduction of the required local match for FEMA projects from 25% to 10%. During its budget deliberations, the State had pledged to split the 25% match with local governments. As reported in the article linked above, the Governor's office indicates it still plans to split this reduced local match. This means that a county now will only have to provide 5% of the funding for a FEMA project with the State providing 5% and FEMA picking up 90%.
This is good news for many Tennessee local governments that were overwhelmed by the May floods and facing extraordinary costs to rebuild roads, bridges, water treatment facilities, schools and other infrastructure.
See this article
from the Tennessean for more information.
According to a spokesman from the Governor's office, one of the most significant provisions of the bill would be a reduction of the required local match for FEMA projects from 25% to 10%. During its budget deliberations, the State had pledged to split the 25% match with local governments. As reported in the article linked above, the Governor's office indicates it still plans to split this reduced local match. This means that a county now will only have to provide 5% of the funding for a FEMA project with the State providing 5% and FEMA picking up 90%.
This is good news for many Tennessee local governments that were overwhelmed by the May floods and facing extraordinary costs to rebuild roads, bridges, water treatment facilities, schools and other infrastructure.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Deadlines for FEMA Assistance Programs Extended
From a State of Tennessee Press Release
Governor Phil Bredesen today announced Tennessee has requested and received a 30-day extension of deadlines for FEMA assistance programs that will assist individuals in the 46 counties eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of the extreme weather and flooding that struck the state April 30 – May 2.
“I’m extremely pleased people will have more time to register to get the help they need as Tennessee recovers from these historic and devastating floods,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate the support Congressman Jim Cooper, members of the Tennessee delegation and FEMA have provided as we’ve worked in partnership to assist affected Tennesseans.”
FEMA has approved the state’s request to extend the registration deadline for Individual Assistance to August 5, 2010. Disaster survivors in the counties designated for Individual Assistance may apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA HelpLine at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. Assistance is available in all languages.
Two other deadlines have also been extended:
• The deadline for filing a proof-of-loss statement under the standard flood insurance policy from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has been extended for an additional 30 days. Proof-of-loss is usually required within 60 days from the date of loss. This extension provides policy owners an additional 30 days to file.
• The deadline to submit a loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration has been extended to August 5, 2010.
Filing an SBA loan application is a key part of the FEMA registration process. While no one is required to take out an SBA loan, a loan denial may open up other opportunities for assistance to an applicant. To date the SBA has approved nearly $89 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations.
In Tennessee, 63,633 people have registered for Individual Assistance, and FEMA has approved more than $141 million in aid to individual households in Tennessee.
The federally declared counties that have been approved for Individual Assistance are: Benton, Carroll, Cannon, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Giles, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Marshall, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Affected individuals must register with FEMA to receive federal disaster assistance. Filing damage reports with state or local county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the process.
Governor Phil Bredesen today announced Tennessee has requested and received a 30-day extension of deadlines for FEMA assistance programs that will assist individuals in the 46 counties eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of the extreme weather and flooding that struck the state April 30 – May 2.
“I’m extremely pleased people will have more time to register to get the help they need as Tennessee recovers from these historic and devastating floods,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate the support Congressman Jim Cooper, members of the Tennessee delegation and FEMA have provided as we’ve worked in partnership to assist affected Tennesseans.”
FEMA has approved the state’s request to extend the registration deadline for Individual Assistance to August 5, 2010. Disaster survivors in the counties designated for Individual Assistance may apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA HelpLine at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. Assistance is available in all languages.
Two other deadlines have also been extended:
• The deadline for filing a proof-of-loss statement under the standard flood insurance policy from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has been extended for an additional 30 days. Proof-of-loss is usually required within 60 days from the date of loss. This extension provides policy owners an additional 30 days to file.
• The deadline to submit a loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration has been extended to August 5, 2010.
Filing an SBA loan application is a key part of the FEMA registration process. While no one is required to take out an SBA loan, a loan denial may open up other opportunities for assistance to an applicant. To date the SBA has approved nearly $89 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations.
In Tennessee, 63,633 people have registered for Individual Assistance, and FEMA has approved more than $141 million in aid to individual households in Tennessee.
The federally declared counties that have been approved for Individual Assistance are: Benton, Carroll, Cannon, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Giles, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Marshall, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Affected individuals must register with FEMA to receive federal disaster assistance. Filing damage reports with state or local county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the process.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery
The recent widespread flooding that impacted over half of Tennessee's counties highlights the importance of having an up-to-date disaster recovery or business continuity plan. While many communities are still in the recovery process, those that are not may want to take this time to review and analyze their plans. There are many resources available on the Internet related to disaster recovery and business continuity. One detailed publication developed by the National Fire Protection Association sets standards for development and management of a disaster/emergency management plan and business continuity program. That resource is available here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Update on Disaster Registrations and Funding
FEMA announced that, as of Friday, the agency had approved more than $80 million in relief aid for flood victims across Tennessee.
Registration by flood and storm victims across the state is now close to 29,000 households. Of those, almost 14,000 are in Metro Nashville/Davidson County.
Statewide, the agency has completed over 16,000 home and property inspections.
To register with FEMA, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Registration by flood and storm victims across the state is now close to 29,000 households. Of those, almost 14,000 are in Metro Nashville/Davidson County.
Statewide, the agency has completed over 16,000 home and property inspections.
To register with FEMA, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
First Week of Recovery
FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO TENNESSEE TOPS $28 MILLION IN FIRST WEEK
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today more than $28 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help with recovery efforts just one week after a federal major disaster declaration was requested for severe storms and flooding that struck Tennessee.
“We’re very pleased with the pace of recovery operations, but we aren’t letting up,” said Bredesen. “State agencies and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will continue working hand-in-hand with FEMA and local partners to make sure those affected by the flooding have access to the resources they need to help rebuild their lives.”
Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
“We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. “Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need.”
To date, 42 counties have been designated for assistance in Tennessee, including Benton, Carroll, Clay, Crockett, Cheatham, Chester, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Recovery Assistance by the Numbers
• More than $28 million has been approved to help disaster-affected Tennesseans with temporary housing, home repairs and other needs through FEMA and state disaster grants programs.
• Nearly 18,000 people in the 42 designated counties have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
• More than 4,400 inspections have been completed and 14,000 inspections are scheduled.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in west and middle Tennessee. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.
• Hickman County - Centerville Church of Christ - 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033
• Davidson County - 100 Oaks Mall (near the Hollywood 27 Theatre) - 719 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon.
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today more than $28 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help with recovery efforts just one week after a federal major disaster declaration was requested for severe storms and flooding that struck Tennessee.
“We’re very pleased with the pace of recovery operations, but we aren’t letting up,” said Bredesen. “State agencies and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will continue working hand-in-hand with FEMA and local partners to make sure those affected by the flooding have access to the resources they need to help rebuild their lives.”
Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
“We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. “Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need.”
To date, 42 counties have been designated for assistance in Tennessee, including Benton, Carroll, Clay, Crockett, Cheatham, Chester, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Recovery Assistance by the Numbers
• More than $28 million has been approved to help disaster-affected Tennesseans with temporary housing, home repairs and other needs through FEMA and state disaster grants programs.
• Nearly 18,000 people in the 42 designated counties have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
• More than 4,400 inspections have been completed and 14,000 inspections are scheduled.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in west and middle Tennessee. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.
• Hickman County - Centerville Church of Christ - 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033
• Davidson County - 100 Oaks Mall (near the Hollywood 27 Theatre) - 719 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon.
Disaster Unemployment Benefits
Counties Now Authorized for Disaster Unemployment Benefits
NASHVILLE - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to workers in Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne and Wilson counties as a direct result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began April 30, 2010, and are continuing, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley reported today. This amends the declaration for the State of Tennessee (FEMA-1909-DR).
These additional counties eligible for DUA are added to the previously 27 declared counties of Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton and Williamson.
“This is a direct line of assistance for those who are out of work due to this natural disaster,” said Commissioner Neeley. “These counties are the starting point, and we’ll open this assistance to other counties as they are declared disaster areas by FEMA.”
For more information, click here.
NASHVILLE - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to workers in Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne and Wilson counties as a direct result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began April 30, 2010, and are continuing, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley reported today. This amends the declaration for the State of Tennessee (FEMA-1909-DR).
These additional counties eligible for DUA are added to the previously 27 declared counties of Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton and Williamson.
“This is a direct line of assistance for those who are out of work due to this natural disaster,” said Commissioner Neeley. “These counties are the starting point, and we’ll open this assistance to other counties as they are declared disaster areas by FEMA.”
For more information, click here.
Monday, May 10, 2010
FEMA Conference Call
Some good information was provided by State and Federal agencies during a conference call for local elected officials earlier this afternoon. A summary of the information is available from reporter Tom Humphreys on the Knoxville News Sentinnel Website here.
What may be most useful for you to pass on to people in your community is the need to start the recovery process by registering with FEMA. Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
"We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. "Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need."
What may be most useful for you to pass on to people in your community is the need to start the recovery process by registering with FEMA. Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
"We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. "Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need."
Urgent - FEMA Conference Call for Local Officials Monday Afternoon at 1:00
I received this information earlier this morning:
Tennessee Recovery Teleconference
At the request of the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has been travelling throughout the state of Tennessee this past week following last weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Administrator Fugate has reviewed the damage, met with officials, and received on the ground briefings on the response efforts.
Please join Administrator Fugate and representatives of TEMA for a conference call with locally elected officials to discuss the ongoing response:
Monday, May 10, 2010
1:00PM – 1:30PM CST
Call-in number: 1-866-524-3160
PIN: 27892
Thank you,
Gwen Camp
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St, SW
Washington DC, 20472
Tennessee Recovery Teleconference
At the request of the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has been travelling throughout the state of Tennessee this past week following last weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Administrator Fugate has reviewed the damage, met with officials, and received on the ground briefings on the response efforts.
Please join Administrator Fugate and representatives of TEMA for a conference call with locally elected officials to discuss the ongoing response:
Monday, May 10, 2010
1:00PM – 1:30PM CST
Call-in number: 1-866-524-3160
PIN: 27892
Thank you,
Gwen Camp
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St, SW
Washington DC, 20472
Additional Disaster Declarations
Twelve more counties have received disaster declarations. These are Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Stewart, Trousdale and Wayne counties. This brings the total to 42 of the 52 requested counties so far.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process
The link below connects you to a document on the FEMA website that describes the disaster declaration process and the types of assistance available from FEMA. The assistance falls into three general categories: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. The document provides an overview of each of the programs.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/dec_proc.pdf
Thanks to Adair Schippers on the Cheatham County Commission who forwarded this info on to our office.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/dec_proc.pdf
Thanks to Adair Schippers on the Cheatham County Commission who forwarded this info on to our office.
Additional Disaster Declarations
Designations have now been made for Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Houston, Madison and Obion counties. This brings the total to 21.
Finding and Listing Available Housing
Many Tennesseans have been displaced from their homes after heavy rains swelled the Cumberland River and other Tennessee waterways. To help these displaced residents find housing quickly, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency is urging all property providers to list available rental housing on the free, statewide housing locater service www.TNHousingSearch.org as soon as possible. If you hear of constituents in your county who are searching for available housing, you may wish to refer them to this listing to assist in locating rental property.
Additional Disaster Declarations
Ten counties in Tenessee have now been declared disaster areas in the wake of recent flooding. Gov. Phil Bredesen has requested such status for 52 counties. The others are being evaluated by FEMA. The declaration clears the way for federal aid to areas damaged by flooding. Four of the counties are in West Tennessee -- Tipton, Shelby, Dyer and McNairy. The other six to receive the designation -- Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman, Montgomery, Perry and Williamson -- are in middle Tennessee.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
One-Page Guide for Homeowners From Congressman Cooper
Congressman Jim Cooper representing Nashville has posted a one page step by step guide to help homeowners work their way through the different types of disaster assistance available. This guide is available on-line here. The handout includes contact information for staff persons with the Congressman's office who can assist with applications for relief. If you live in this congressional district and need help or know of individuals in that situation, you may wish to contact his office. Even for those living outside the district, the handout contains useful information and phone numbers or e-mails for contacting FEMA.
Additional Disaster Declarations
NASHVILLE – The federal government today authorized a major disaster declaration for two additional Tennessee counties. On Monday, Governor Phil Bredesen asked President Obama to declare 52 counties federal disaster areas following the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state beginning Friday, April 30.
Today’s action makes federal funding available to individuals in Montgomery and Dyer Counties. Four counties – Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson – were authorized yesterday. Declarations for additional counties requested by the Governor are expected in coming days.
“President Obama and the federal government continue to move quickly in their response,” said Bredesen. “As people begin to rebuild their homes and their lives, this assistance will be an important resource for Tennesseans.”
Today’s action makes federal funding available to individuals in Montgomery and Dyer Counties. Four counties – Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson – were authorized yesterday. Declarations for additional counties requested by the Governor are expected in coming days.
“President Obama and the federal government continue to move quickly in their response,” said Bredesen. “As people begin to rebuild their homes and their lives, this assistance will be an important resource for Tennesseans.”
Flood Assistance
Many counties in Tennessee are struggling to recover from the devastating flooding that struck the region this week. The National Federation of Independent Businesses has been gracious enough to set up a web page with many important links to help businesses and families affected by the flood and has passed this link on to share with other organizations. Categories of information include financial aid, humanitarian relief and business and employee resources.
That page of information can be found here.
As I hear of other information resources, I will try to make those available.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered losses in this event. I know personally of several people who have lost their homes and virtually all their possessions. In the midst of this hardship, there have been encouraging stories of neighbors, public safety employees, volunteers, and community leaders reaching out to help those suffering. This will be a long and challenging recovery, but that can be seen as a great opportunity to reach out and help others. Lastly, I want to remind and encourage all those living in the middle Tennessee area that are serviced by an impacted water utility to please make every effort to conserve water resources in order to reduce the stress on over-taxed systems.
That page of information can be found here.
As I hear of other information resources, I will try to make those available.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered losses in this event. I know personally of several people who have lost their homes and virtually all their possessions. In the midst of this hardship, there have been encouraging stories of neighbors, public safety employees, volunteers, and community leaders reaching out to help those suffering. This will be a long and challenging recovery, but that can be seen as a great opportunity to reach out and help others. Lastly, I want to remind and encourage all those living in the middle Tennessee area that are serviced by an impacted water utility to please make every effort to conserve water resources in order to reduce the stress on over-taxed systems.
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