WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Minnesota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of June 14-21, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Goodhue, Kandiyohi, Lake, Meeker, Pine, Rice, Sibley, St. Louis, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and Indian Tribes within the State.

Mark A. Neveau has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Neveau said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Minnesota.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local, Tribal Governments Can Include as Required:

• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

• Application procedures for local, tribal and state governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Indiana and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of February 29 to March 3, 2012.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick, and Washington.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Gregory W. Eaton has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Eaton said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Indiana.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

• Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
• Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
• Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the commonwealth.)
• Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; commonwealth administered.)
• Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
• Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
• Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
• Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

• Those in the county designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

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.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

CHICAGO, Ill. -- As 2011 draws to a close and Midwesterners get ready to ring in the New Year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready by taking some simple steps to prepare for emergencies.

Nationwide, 2011 saw more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. Within FEMA Region V, five states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio – received a total of nine federal disaster declarations for severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and severe winter storms. All of these events serve as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

FEMA’s Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III is urging everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to be prepared through three simple steps: get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and be informed of the hazards in your area.

“One of the most important lessons we can take away from the past year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in,” said Velasquez. “While we can’t control when or where they might strike, we can take steps in advance to prepare for disasters. Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year.”

To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/pledge. For more information on how to get prepared, visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov. This website includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.

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

This year, consider at least one of these gift ideas. You just may save the life of a friend or family member. For more information, preparedness tips, and other gift ideas, please visit www.Ready.gov and www.FEMA.gov.

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

CHICAGO, Ill. -- With winter just around the corner, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V reminds everyone to start preparing for the possibility of severe winter storms and extreme temperatures. Midwesterners can find helpful tips and recommendations to help them get prepared at www.ready.gov/winter.

“Most of us in the Midwest are familiar with severe winter weather, but you can never be too prepared,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Take the time now to winterize both your home and your vehicle to protect you and your family.”

Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit at home and in the car will help prepare people for power outages and icy or impassable roads.

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, and any items to meet the unique needs of your family.

In preparation for winter weather, thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit to include:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for a complete list of recommended products.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, be sure to store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. If your heat goes out, never use a generator or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Additionally, these tips will help you and your family get through the winter:

• Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and public safety officials. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.

Finally, everyone should get familiar with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

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.

Release Date: August 12, 2011
Release Number: 4009-003

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials announced today that Public Assistance applicant briefings are scheduled Aug. 15-17 for Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Pine, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Stearns and Yellow Medicine counties.

The briefings will be held to help representatives from state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations apply for federal disaster assistance to support recovery from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes July 1-11, 2011.

Officials will explain the FEMA Public Assistance program for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair, restoration or replacement of public facilities or infrastructure that were damaged. Under the cost-share program, FEMA Public Assistance funds 75 percent of the cost for eligible work.

Monday, Aug. 15
Pine County
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Pine County Court House
County Board Room
635 Northridge Dr. NW
Pine City, Minn. 56063

Stearns County
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Melrose City Hall
225 1st. St. NE
Melrose, Minn. 56352

Tuesday, Aug. 16
McLeod, Meeker and Kandiyohi counties
Time: 10 a.m.
Meeker County Courthouse
Basement - Community Room
325 N. Sibley Ave.
Litchfield, Minn. 55355

Redwood and Renville counties
Time: 2 p.m.
Redwood County Courthouse
Basement Meeting Room
250 S. Jefferson
Redwood, Minn. 56283

Wednesday August 17
Lincoln and Pipestone counties
Time: 10 a.m.
Tyler Fire Department
230 N Tyler
Tyler, Minn. 56178

Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Lyon County Law Enforcement Center
611 West Main St.
Marshall, Minn. 56258

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.