FEMA Blog

Posted by: Public Affairs

Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.


Tropical Storm Don
Since our last blog update on tropical storm Don, National Hurricane Center forecasts from the National Weather Service are calling for tropical storm Don to bring heavy rains and high winds to areas of south Texas, starting tonight. Our regional office in Denton, Texas has been in regular contact with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate any potential response efforts.

Yesterday, the Denton regional office activated its Regional Response Coordination Center to allow for the activation of emergency support functions needed for federal coordination among federal, state, and local communities, should there be a need or request for federal support. There are also Incident Management Assistance Teams available for deployment and Urban Search & Rescue is available to deploy, if needed.

It’s critical that all members of the public in areas that could be impacted by Don take this storm seriously – and stay out of harm’s way. Tropical storms can often create heavy rainfall which in turn causes flooding hundreds of miles inland. Here are some safety tips to remember, in case a hurricane or tropical storm threatens your area:

• Listen to the direction of local officials. Be sure to know your evacuation route in case evacuation orders are given.

• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

• Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges, and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

For the latest updates on tropical storm Don, visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/, and make sure to visit Ready.gov/hurricanes to get prepared for severe tropical weather. And remember – it’s still early in hurricane season and we expect a very active next couple of months. Now is the time to get prepared, before a storm approaches your community.

National Night Out
Earlier this week, U.S. Fire Administration, Deputy Administrator Glenn Gaines encouraged fire and emergency medical service personnel to partner with law enforcement to promote emergency and fire preparedness by hosting a National Night Out event in their local community. National Night Out is a program to promote neighborhood spirit and public safety-community partnerships, and over 15,000 communities are expected to host local events across the country. Check out his blog post or contact your local law enforcement agency and learn how your fire department or EMS can get involved.

Public Private Partnership Conference
In addition to National Night Out, next week is also the first National Public Private Partnership Conference in Washington D.C. We’ll host interactive workshops, working groups, and discussions led by experts regarding the growing importance of the private sector in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Stay tuned to our blog for more details in the coming days and in the meantime, here’s more information on the conference.

White House Blog promotes National Preparedness Month
Finally, we wanted to share a blog post from the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, encouraging faith-based and community organizations to register as a National Preparedness Month coalition member. Coalition members have access to specialized resources for engaging their audience in emergency preparedness, in addition to a discussion forum where they can share their ideas and learn from preparedness initiatives happening in their backyard during September.

Whether you’re a student, parent, school administrator, pastor, business continuity professional, first responder, emergency manager, or a concerned citizen, join the thousands that have signed up and become a National Preparedness Coalition member today.

Posted by: Michael Byrne, Federal Coordinating Officer

Three months ago, violent storms and tornadoes caused devastation that changed the lives of Alabamians forever. Although we will never forget the tragedy that thousands of Alabamians have experienced, we continue to work with our partners across the emergency management team to assist the state in building communities that are stronger and more resilient.

I am proud to look back on the last 90 days and see the progress that has been made. To date,

• 90 percent of the staggering amount of debris has been removed from the storm-ravaged areas.

• Nearly 88,000 disaster survivors have applied for financial assistance from state, federal and volunteer agencies resulting in more than $140 million approved in federal assistance.

• Some survivors have been able to find permanent housing solutions and are well on their way to rebuilding their lives.

Some of this progress can be seen in a photo of Pratt City before and after:


Pratt City, AL, May 11, 2011 -- Blue tarps dot the landscape of a section of Pratt City hit by the April 27th tornado. Tarps are used to try and protect contents from further damage in homes not completely destroyed. FEMA has provided thousands of tarps to Alabama residents since the storms.


AL, July 26, 2011 -- Pratt City, AL, July 26, 2011 -- Disaster recovery and rebuilding near Cherry Ave. in Pratt City (Birmingham). FEMA is working to rebuild areas affected by the tornado that struck Alabama.

But, we still have work to do and now is the time for communities to look forward to the possibilities that recovery brings. Part of rebuilding is having a long-term community recovery plan, which unites public, private and nonprofit sectors, as well as members of the public, to identify resources for recovery projects through the Long Term Community Recovery program. So far, nine Alabama communities are participating, looking to rebuild stronger and safer.

The state is also focusing on building more resilient structures through hazard mitigation to lessen the effect of future disasters. Alabama was awarded $33 million in funding up front for mitigation. This funding may be used for many projects, including safe rooms aimed at saving lives and property.

Our goal has been, and will continue to be, helping the state, its communities and its people recover from the damage and dislocation caused by the storms. Now is the time to think about what the new reality will be for Alabama. It is not easy rising from the rubble, but with a helping hand Alabama can and will get back to a sense of normalcy.

For the latest on the ongoing Alabama recovery efforts, visit the disaster page.

Posted by: Robin Finegan, Regional Administrator FEMA Region VIII


Minot, N.D., July 26, 2011 -- A contractor removes debris from a storm drain during a rain storm in a Minot neighborhood. North Dakota, Montana and Utah are still seeing high water levels, as frequent heavy rain storms historically affect Colorado this time of year.

July is known for hot summer days, barbeques and picnics and outdoor activities with friends and family.

It also can be known as the monsoonal flow season in Colorado. It is the time of the summer where you can almost time those afternoon thunderstorms and showers rolling across the state. Recently Colorado has been experiencing strong thunderstorms laced with heavy rains, and strong lightning. These storms also bring localized street flooding and are a reminder to all in Colorado that flooding can happen very quickly.

Some of Colorado's costliest and deadliest disasters have happened during the last week of July and were flooding related. On July 31, it will have been 35 years since the "Big Thompson" flood. Tragically, 144 people died that day as a result of the flood – both Colorado residents as well as visitors to the state. A total of 418 homes were destroyed. Twenty-one years later, another devastating flood occurred in Colorado - this time in Ft. Collins. On July 27-28, 1997, 14.5 inches of heavy rain fell in 31 hours, resulting in five deaths in Spring Creek.

Colorado isn’t the only state in Region VIII to experience heavy monsoonal rains and flooding during the month of July. Last week we saw loss of life in Wyoming due to flooding, North and South Dakota have had flood warnings, and we continue to see high water in North Dakota, Montana and Utah. The flood danger in Region VIII is not over.

As citizens, we can't predict or change the weather patterns that bring flooding. However, we can be prepared and be aware of our surroundings. Stay connected to news sources that will alert you to dangerous weather conditions. If you are in an area prone to flash flooding (low-lying, or next to a stream/river or drain), be aware that skies could be clear overhead, but heavy rains 20 miles away could be headed downstream and in your direction.

Valuable information on preparedness for all disaster types including flooding can be found at www.Ready.gov. Key preparedness strategies include:

• Having a preparedness plan and kit,
• Making sure everyone in your household knows the plan,
• Following the instructions of local officials, evacuate if told to do so,
• Avoiding moving water when you’re walking or driving and remember that flash floods are appropriately named since they can happen in a flash.

As we approach the midpoint of summer, continue enjoying the outdoors, time with friends and family, and all that our states have to offer. We can honor those who have lost their lives due to flooding by preparing ourselves and our loved ones for the potential of dangerous weather.

Editor’s Note – Read some of Robin’s other blog posts: 
- Midwest and Upper Midwest Flood Fight Continues – Our Role 
- Floodwaters Swamp Minot, But Don’t Dampen Resolve in the “Magic City”

Posted by: Public Affairs

As we mentioned yesterday, forecasts from the National Hurricane Center project tropical storm Don will affect south Texas late Friday evening or early Saturday morning. At this time, forecasters do not expect a significant increase in strength before it hits the U.S., however a tropical storm watch has been issued for the south Texas coastline, stretching from Brownsville to Galveston.

As we continue to closely monitor the storm as it approaches land, we wanted to remind you of what a “watch” and “warning” means when it comes to severe tropical weather.

• Tropical storm watch = sustained winds of 39-73 mph are possible within the specified area in the next 48 hours
• Tropical storm warning = sustained winds of 39-73 mph are expected within the specified area in next 36 hours

• Hurricane watch = sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within the specified area in the next 48 hours
• Hurricane warning = sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected within the specified area in the next 36 hours

Since history tells us that tropical storms and hurricanes can change rapidly, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast and information. The National Hurricane Center is the official source for updates on developing tropical weather, and you can follow their updates whether you’re at your computer or on your phone:

• On your computer
• Full website: www.hurricanes.gov
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic
  
• On your phone
• Mobile site: hurricanes.gov/mobile
• Facebook: m.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov
• Twitter: mobile.twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic

Please continue to listen to local officials (here's a link to the Texas Division of Emergency Management) and as always, visit Ready.gov/hurricanes for information on getting prepared for a tropical storm or hurricane.

Posted by: Public Affairs

Editor's Note: As of 4 p.m. EDT, the storm system has further organized and intensified into tropical storm Don, with the current forecast track projecting landfall in southern Texas.  The National Hurricane Center website has the latest information, and we will continue to provide updates on this blog about our role.

A wave of tropical thunderstorms is currently developing near the Yucatan Channel, between the coasts of Cuba and Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, this system is continuing to become better organized and if current trends continue, could become a tropical depression in the next 48 hours. We’re closely monitoring the situation through our regional offices in Denton, Texas and Atlanta, Ga., while coordinating with our partners at the National Hurricane Center forecast offices.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center:



Although it is too soon to know how quickly this storm could develop and what its potential impact may be on the U.S., current forecast models do show that the storm could impact parts of Mexico and southern Texas. Since before the start of hurricane season, we’ve been encouraging residents in hurricane-prone areas to get prepared, whether you live on the coast or further inland. History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly – and it’s critical that all members of the public areas get prepared.

If you haven't already, now is a good time to visit http://www.ready.gov/ and learn a few simple steps every family should take to get prepared before disaster strikes. And remember when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, listen to the direction of local officials. Be sure to know your evacuation route in case evacuation orders are given.

You can also visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/ or http://hurricanes.gov/mobile on your phone for the latest forecasts for severe tropical weather. If you’re on Twitter and Facebook, you can follow the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center for the Atlantic basin at twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic and www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov.

Posted by: Paulette Aniskoff, Director, Individual and Community Preparedness Division

Family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are vital partners in helping communities across the country to respond to and recover from disasters. More often than not, it is these individuals who are the first on the scene, providing assistance and supporting the efforts of emergency responders. Thousands of Citizen Corps councils and partner programs throughout the nation empower the public to take action in making their communities safer and better prepared to respond to disaster, whether natural or manmade, by offering a wide array of education, training, and volunteer service opportunities.

To highlight the innovative practices and achievements of these too-often unsung heroes, FEMA is now accepting applications for the 2011 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. The awards showcase the great work being done by individuals, families, and local communities, FEMA’s partners at the state, territorial, local, and tribal levels, and non-governmental organizations in the non-profit, faith-based, and private sector communities.

Submissions should emphasize achievements taking place between January 1, 2010 and June 1, 2011, and can feature examples of any outstanding achievements in individual and community preparedness worthy of recognition. The deadline for submitting an application is August 26, 11:59 p.m. E.D.T.

Winners will be announced in September during National Preparedness Month, and will be honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington, D.C. One winner will be selected to attend the 2011 International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference in Las Vegas, NV, and to participate as a guest on FEMA’s panel on community preparedness.

Download the instructions and guidelines before submitting an application. Remember, entries must be received by August 26, 11:59 p.m. E.D.T.

We look forward to reading about all of the excellent work being done across the nation!

Posted by: Glenn Gaines, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration



As we often say at FEMA, getting neighborhoods prepared and making them a safer place is a team effort, at the federal, state, local, and community level. That’s why I’m proud the U.S. Fire Administration is working with the National Association of Town Watch to encourage fire and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to partner with law enforcement and participate in the National Night Out.

National Night Out is a program to promote neighborhood spirit and public safety-community partnerships, and over 15,000 communities are expected to host local events across the country.

I wanted to encourage you and your department to participate in National Night Out and host a local community event.

It’s a natural fit.

Fire and EMS are part of the community, and what a great way to reach out to the very people you serve by sharing important fire prevention and life safety information. There are so many things you could do to enhance a local event:

• Fire apparatus and ambulances could serve as a backdrop for your educational booth while your department shares home fire safety checklists,
• You could encourage residents to schedule smoke alarm installations, and answer questions about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and other fire safety topics,
• EMS personnel could perform free blood pressure screenings,
• You could provide information on CPR training.

For more information on National Night Out or to register, visit www.NationalNightOut.org or contact your local law enforcement agency and learn how your fire department or EMS can get involved. Time is running out, but it’s not too late to become actively involved this year. This is a great way to get important fire safety information into our communities.

And while you're at it, National Preparedness Month (September) is right around the corner, so sign up to be a coalition member today to get resources and tips on spreading the preparedness message in your community.

Posted by: Public Affairs

Recently, we have seen a lot of questions and news coverage about why tornado survivors in Alabama may or may not be receiving federal aid assistance. Disaster survivors in Alabama and other parts of the nation have been through a lot, and we’re working hard to ensure that everyone who is eligible for federal assistance gets the help they need.

We’ve spoken before about questions regarding federal disaster assistance. However, we wanted to take a moment to explain FEMA disaster assistance eligibility. Individuals and families in a declared area whose essential property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance, are eligible for disaster assistance. Eligibility criteria are set by law and are the same for all disasters, no matter where you live. For example, under federal law we cannot duplicate benefits. If individuals already have insurance that will cover the damages, this may impact their eligibility for federal disaster aid.

Because several factors are considered when determining eligibility, we encourage all disaster survivors to apply for aid. You may be eligible for more than you realize, so it’s worth it to apply. If you apply for federal assistance and are eligible, you will receive assistance. Also, keep in mind that the status of federal funding for disasters will not impact how many people are eligible for assistance.

The bottom line is eligibility criteria for FEMA assistance is the same across the board – for all survivors and all disasters.

To learn more about eligibility criteria, survivors can visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call the helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY can call 1-800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), can call 1-800-621-3362. They can also visit a disaster recovery center, where they can talk with someone who can help determine the best course of action for recovery.

Survivors in Alabama and in other states across the country have been through a lot, and we are committed to helping them every step of the way.

Posted by: Public Affairs

Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Extreme Heat Conditions
Most of the nation has been under a heat advisory over the past week. The National Weather Service expects excessive and dangerous heat and humidity to continue throughout the weekend across much of the central and eastern U.S. The highest heat index values are expected across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.

The following are tips to stay cool and safe:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

September: National Preparedness Month
Earlier this week we launched new web tools so you and your organization can join the National Preparedness Month coalition and pledge your support to help prepare your families, businesses and communities for emergencies.

Once you register, you’ll have access to:

• a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials,

• an events calendar allowing where you can post and promote preparedness events,

• discussion forums to share success stories to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.

Reminder: Survivors should stay in contact with FEMA
Disaster survivors who registered with FEMA for assistance need to keep their contact information up to date to avoid delays processing their application. If your address or telephone changes you can update this information through DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free helpline operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Applicants generally receive a response from FEMA within 10 days after registering. Anyone who has not received mail from FEMA more than 10 days after registration should call 800-621-3362.

Video: Recap of DHS Secretary visit Minot, N.D.
We recently blogged on Secretary Janet Napolitano’s tour to flood damaged Minot, North Dakota. Here is a video of the Secretary’s promise of FEMA's continued support in the recovery of Minot.

Posted by: Carole Cameron, director, FEMA International Affairs


Deputy Administrator Richard Serino shakes hands with Vladimir Puchkov, state secretary and deputy minister, EMERCOM of Russia, after signing the Meeting Protocol and 2011-2013 Work Plan. In the background, Alexey Avdeev, section head, International Cooperation Department, EMERCON of Russia, looks on.

As you hear us say frequently, FEMA is just part of the team, a team that includes many other partners, from states and local governments to tribal governments and organizations, to the private sector and voluntary groups. But there is another part of this team that people may not traditionally think of – our international partners. And earlier this week, our leadership at FEMA, including Administrator Fugate and Deputy Administrator Serino, met with our Russian emergency management counterparts in Boston, at the second annual meeting of the Bilateral Presidential Commission Working Group on Cooperation in Prevention and Handling of Emergency Situations.

Unbeknownst to many, building and strengthening our partnerships with the international community is a large focus for us at FEMA. We are an increasingly global society, and the many disasters that have struck our friends and colleagues around the world this past year, from the horrific earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the earthquake that struck New Zealand are a reminder that we are all in this together. In fact, as some of you remember, our Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness, Tim Manning, happened to be in Christchurch when the earthquake struck and immediately joined up with local emergency responders to help with search and rescue missions. In addition to other types of aid, the U.S. sent FEMA-trained and funded Urban Search & Rescue teams to help with search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the devastation in both New Zealand and Japan. And this past spring, many of our international partners participated in our annual national preparedness exercises, the National Level Exercise 2011.

We may live in vastly different places, but we’re part of the same team – and we have a lot to learn from each other in the international community. That was the goal of our meeting with Russia’s emergency management team: to explore ways we could learn from each other and new opportunities for partnerships. A lot of our dialogue focused on the widespread fires Russia faced in 2010, and lessons learned from their response, which used both civilian and military resources for the first time in years. We also shared our collective lessons learned from the Japanese earthquake and how we were able to deploy our respective urban search and rescue teams. Finally, we visited one of our Urban Search & Rescue teams, Massachusetts Task Force-1 in Beverly, which recently helped respond to the tornadoes that swept through parts of the state in early June.

This was not Administrator Fugate’s first meeting with Russia EMERCOM Minister Sergei Shoigu, who he visited last summer – but it did reinforce that disasters are not a unilateral issue. As a global society, we all have to help each other as we deal with similar threats and hazards. We are part of the same team, and we will all be more resilient and well-equipped to deal with emergencies if we tap into each other’s knowledge, experiences and resources. We thank our Russian partners for joining us in Boston and look forward to continuing to build this critical partnership.

-- Carole

Posted by: Public Affairs

After a disaster, we reach out to disaster survivors in many ways. Whether it is going door to door, speaking at local events, or hosting a town hall meeting, our main goal is to make sure disaster survivors receive information on how to apply for assistance with us and our partners, as well as other organizations that provide assistance.

Working with our federal, state and local government partners, and the private sector partners, we’re better able to provide assistance to affected communities and individuals.

Take a look at this video showing how we get the word out to disaster survivors once a disaster strikes.


Visit our photo and media libraries for more photos and videos on FEMA’s role after a disaster.

Posted by: Paulette Aniskoff, Director of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division, and Darryl Madden, Director, FEMA’s Ready Campaign



As we mentioned earlier on this blog, this September marks the eighth annual National Preparedness Month. This year we’ve launched new web tools that make it easier for you and your organizations to join the 2011 NPM coalition and pledge your support to help prepare your families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds.

By simply registering to become a NPM coalition member, you’ll have access to:

• a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials,

• an events calendar allowing where you can post and promote preparedness events,

• discussion forums to share success stories to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.

By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, you can help others in your community prepare for emergencies. Becoming a coalition member is easy and free, so visit http://community.fema.gov/ to get started. Nearly 2,000 coalition members have already joined this year’s campaign!

Posted by: Public Affairs

Last night, tropical storm Bret formed in the Atlantic, the second named tropical system of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. We’re closely monitoring Bret through our regional office in Atlanta as we coordinate closely with forecasters from the National Hurricane Center.

According to NHC forecasts, Bret is expected to move away from the continental U.S. over the next few days. Here’s the latest forecast map for Bret:


And in the Pacific basin, forecasters are following a well-defined low pressure area that is likely to become tropical cyclone Dora in the next 48 hours. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for the U.S. at this time and based on current forecasts, the storm is not expected to be a threat to the West coast.

While the latest round of severe tropical weather appears to be steering clear of the U.S., it’s important that you get prepared for hurricanes and tropical storms before one is approaching your community. Check out Ready.gov/hurricanes for more info on getting prepared and visit www.hurricanes.gov for the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane season lasts until November 30, so now is a great time to get your home and family prepared.

Posted by: FEMA Public Affairs

Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Potential Severe Weather
The National Weather Service is calling for extreme heat to continue through the weekend for much of the Central U.S., in an area stretching from Texas to North Dakota. Yesterday, we posted some safety tips for higher temperatures, so check the post out and plan to stay out of the heat.

Flooding is expected to continue along the Missouri and Souris rivers, and we continue to support the emergency management team in providing assistance to individuals and communities that continue to be affected. And in portions of the Southeast, forecasts are calling for heavy rains, so make sure you’re prepared for potential flooding or flash flooding.

And even if your community isn’t expected to have severe weather over the next few days, you can check your local forecast at www.weather.gov or on your phone at mobile.weather.gov.

Recovery Work Continues
As flood waters in the Missouri River Basin have reached a steady state, FEMA continues to work closely with our federal, state and local government partners, and the private sector meet the needs of those affected. During a July 13 visit to Minot, N.D., Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security, took a first-hand look at damage caused by recent severe flooding and reinforced the administration’s commitment to standing behind the people of Minot and all of North Dakota through every step of this recovery.

Small Business Administration: Partners in Disaster Assistance
In addition to our work supporting states currently dealing with flooding, FEMA and our partners also continue to support recovery efforts for other disasters. The Small Business Administration is urging Alabama applicants seeking assistance following April's tornadoes and severe storms to return their SBA Loan Application by the July 18th deadline.

Posted by: Deborah Ingram, Assistant Administrator, Recovery Directorate

I wanted to share a unique grant program FEMA has outside of our traditional preparedness and disaster recovery programs – the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. FEMA is provided funding each year, by Congress, to support voluntary agencies that provide food, shelter and other essential services to help the hungry and homeless individuals and families across our nation. This year, FEMA is awarding more than $119 million, through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program grant, to supplement agencies that provide food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs.

These funds are distributed in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which established the program and called for the creation of an Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board. This board is comprised of representatives from agencies that include the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, United Way Worldwide, and FEMA. By law, FEMA serves as the chair to the national board, and the board chooses a fiscal agent and secretariat to oversee the award and compliance processes to local jurisdictions and local recipient organizations. The national board has selected United Way Worldwide to serve as this fiscal agent.

Based on the annual award from FEMA, the national board qualifies jurisdictions for funding by using a formula that takes into account factors such as the current population, unemployment, and poverty levels. Jurisdictions that qualify for funds must establish a local board that is comprised of the same agencies represented on the national board, with the highest ranking local government official or designee replacing the FEMA representative, and include at least one representative for the homeless population (i.e., currently homeless person, formerly homeless person, former recipient of service or a homeless advocate). The local boards are vested with the responsibility to administer the Emergency Food and Shelter Program at the local level and to select which agencies, both non-profit and governmental, are to receive funds. Once selected, funds are directly disbursed to these agencies by the national board.

As I shared back in March, voluntary agencies are a vital part of a community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. However, strong partnerships are essential, not only when a disaster strikes, but year round. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program fosters public-nonprofit cooperation and partnership at the national and local levels – throughout the year - in serving those in need, and FEMA is proud to be a partner in this endeavor.

I hope you’ll learn more about this unique grant program by checking out the lists of qualifying jurisdictions and their allocation amounts.

Posted by: Public Affairs

Yesterday, Secretary Napolitano visited Minot, North Dakota to see firsthand the damage caused by the recent severe flooding. Her visit follows Deputy Administrator Serino’s visit to Minot on June 29. The Secretary encouraged Minot residents to continue to register for federal disaster assistance and reiterated the federal government's commitment to continue supporting Minot for the long haul. She also encouraged anyone  interested in helping the people of Minot and across North Dakota to send donations through organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or the Minot Area Recovery Fund.


Minot, ND, July 13, 2011 -- Secretary Janet Napolitano speaks to the media and holds up a sign with the FEMA registration information. She strongly urged affected residents in eligible counties to apply for assistance.

We wanted to provide you with a brief overview of her day -- and her thoughts on helping North Dakota in the long recovery process ahead.

An Aerial Tour
The Secretary began her visit with a helicopter tour over Minot and surrounding areas impacted. She witnessed the extensive flood damage to hundreds of homes, schools, churches, farmland, and other community areas devastated by the disaster.

Learning from Local Leaders



Minot, ND, July 13, 2011 -- Secretary Janet Napolitano listens to Minot Mayor, Curt Zimbelman, at a meeting with North Dakota Gov Jack Dalrymple and local officials after doing an aerial survey of the areas still under water in Minot and surrounding towns. Napolitano and other FEMA officials promised to continue to provide assistance to residents affected by recent floods.

Secretary Napolitano also met with the state and local officials leading the recovery efforts, including Governor Jack Dalrymple, the mayors of Minot and Burlington, and many other local officials. They discussed some of the priorities the state and community are facing as they move forward, such as reopening schools and grocery stores. With so many homes flooded, temporary housing that can withstand the harsh winters of North Dakota is another major concern. The Secretary ensured that the government would work quickly with the state to provide temporary housing to survivors that meets their needs.

A Visit with the Media
After the meeting, the Secretary joined the governor and mayors for a press conference for local media.

Here are a few media stories about her visit:

• "We are here for the duration," Fargo Forum
• "Federal assistance for flood recovery," Minot Daily News
• "Napolitano views flood area," KXMX CBS

Secretary Napolitano thanked the Governor and local officials for their hard work, and explained: "We are all standing behind the people of Minot, behind the people of the surrounding area, and the people of North Dakota… We will make sure that everything that can be done is being done, and is being done as quickly as possible."

Minot, ND, July 13, 2011 -- Secretary Janet Napolitano and North Dakota Governor Jack Dalyrmple appear at a press conference with local ,state and other federal officials. Napolitano and Dalyrmple did an aerial survey of the areas still under water in Minot and the surrounding towns. Napolitano and FEMA officials promised to continue to provide assistance to residents affected by recent floods.

At FEMA, we remain committed to supporting the survivors and local officials in recovering from the devastating floods in Minot. FEMA officials on the ground have been working hard to register survivors for temporary housing assistance, low-interest loans, and other forms of disaster assistance, and we’ll be there as long as it takes to help the Minot community recover and rebuild.

Posted by: Public Affairs


A search and rescue dog cools off in a wading pool. High temperatures continue to affect much of the U.S., so having a plan to stay cool is important for both you and your pets.

Summer is here, and much of the U.S. continues to deal with abnormally hot weather. And even if your community hasn’t experienced hotter weather yet, there are ways you can stay safe and cool when warmer temperatures arrive.

Here are some tips on staying cool and safe during extreme heat:

• Be familiar with your local weather forecast by visiting www.weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov on your phone
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

And hotter weather also affects pets, so remember to give them plenty of water and keep them inside. Check out Ready.gov for more tips on getting prepared, for any emergency.

Posted by: Public Affairs

As we said last week and throughout the spring, we continue to support the emergency management team as flooding continues across the Central U.S. and northern Plains. Today, Secretary Napolitano is visiting Minot, N.D., to meet with survivors, local and state officials, and survey the damages from this year’s historic flooding.

Stay tuned to this blog for a wrap up of her trip, and in the meantime, here are some more photos of the flood-fighting and recovery efforts from our Photo Library:


Minot, ND, July 12, 2011 -- Willy Dunn (right), Federal Coordinating Officer, talks with Major General Sagsveen of the North Dakota National Guard. The National Guard is one of many federal partners working to meet the needs of disaster survivors and the affected communities.


Bismarck, ND, July 10, 2011 -- Flood waters reach up a mailbox in a residential area. Heavy spring rain and melting snow pack contributed to historic water levels and flooding in the area.


Velva, ND, July 7, 2011 -- Survivors can come to a disaster recovery center to get information on assistance programs available from both FEMA and the state.


Mandan, ND, July 6, 2011 -- A FEMA community relations specialist talks to a displaced resident after a town hall meeting. FEMA conducted the town hall meeting to provide residents with information about the current response to the floods.


Minot, ND, July 6, 2011 -- A FEMA employee works at a disaster recovery center. Individual Assistance is available to disaster survivors in North Dakota counties, and residents can visit a disaster recovery center to speak with a FEMA employee face-to-face and get more information on available assistance programs.

For more information on FEMA’s role in the ongoing flooding, check out the "Floods" category on the blog, and visit the disaster page for the latest on the North Dakota disaster.

Posted by: Public Affairs



With the hurricane season more than a month underway, we’ve already seen a few tropical storms in the Atlantic and Pacific basins. And as we often say, the best time to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm is before a storm approaches your community.

Back in May for Hurricane Preparedness Week, we posted a series of blog posts about the various hazards associated with severe tropical weather – including inland flooding, storm surge and high winds. Earlier today, USA Today posted an article reminding people that the deadliest part of a hurricane is not high winds, as many think, but the storm surge that often accompanies these storms.

We encourage you to visit Ready.gov/hurricanes for information on getting prepared today. And here are links to our posts from Hurricane Preparedness Week:

• Day 1: What we're doing to prepare
• Day 2: Storm surge
• Day 3: Wind danger
• Day 4: Inland flooding
• Day 5: The team effort
• Day 6: Make a plan
• Day 7: Tips to stay safe

Posted by: Public Affairs

In an article in today’s The Hill, they give an inside look into FEMA’s philosophical approach to building and strengthening the team for emergency management, an approach being driven by Administrator Fugate. Since coming to FEMA, he’s been out in front of many changes at the agency, tapping into his years of experience as an emergency medical technician and then as an emergency manager.

Here’s a section from the full article:

The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has spent the first two years of his tenure streamlining operations at the agency and shaking off deeply rooted habits to build a connected team of local, state and federal officials who are ready to move when emergencies happen.

In a major shift at FEMA, Fugate is looking beyond the information provided by professional first responders during an emergency, instead creating a two-way dialogue with the public, media and private sector to help provide quicker disaster assessments.

FEMA is looking at people in the affected communities as “a resource and not a liability”…The new message was that FEMA needed to “plan for who we serve, not who fits our plans,” Fugate said.

Read more at TheHill.com, or see Administrator Fugate’s blog posts in the “Craig’s Corner” category.

Posted by: Public Affairs

It has been a year of deadly and destructive tornadoes across the United States. Unfortunately, the active weather has put many communities – Joplin, Mo.; Cordova, Ala.; Smithville, Miss., just to name a few – in the similar situation of dealing with overwhelming damage and tragic loss of life. But they are not alone.

Last week, several communities that were impacted by tornadoes this year participated in a FEMA-organized, sustainability workshop in Greensburg, Kan. (read a recap of the workshop from Deb Ingram, Assistant Administrator, Recovery). Four years ago, in 2007, an EF-5 tornado destroyed more than 90 percent of the small town in just a matter of minutes. At the conference, Greensburg community leaders were eager to share their story of dramatic recovery and provide insight to the questions and challenges that may lie ahead for recovering communities.

The video below highlights the integral relationships that are already being formed through FEMA’s Long-Term Community Recovery program as several cities across the country work towards rebuilding.

Posted by: Public Affairs


Minot, ND, July 6, 2011 -- Parts of several neighborhoods are still under water after the Souris River overflowed its banks. We continue to support the emergency management team and disaster survivors as response and recovery efforts continue in North Dakota. 

Severe weather outlook
As we mentioned earlier this week, our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are calling for many rivers in the upper Midwest and northern Plains to remain above flood stage through the summer. And with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center calling for additional rain in these areas over the next few weeks, it’s important you’re taking steps to get prepared if you haven’t already done so.

Forecasters are also calling for drought conditions to continue across the South, with excessive heat expected in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. Be sure to visit Ready.gov for tips on getting prepared for the hazards in your area, and visit www.weather.gov to get your local forecast.

Video: Planning for the whole community
In case you missed it, Marcie Roth, director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, was interviewed by St. Petersburg College’s National Terrorism Preparedness Institute to talk about “Planning For The Whole Community”. As Administrator Fugate says, emergency managers need to plan for everyone in their communities, including children, elderly and those with disabilities or access and functional needs. We encourage you to check out the video of Marcie’s interview and learn more about FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination.

CDC Blog: A story of family preparedness
We’ve mentioned The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Public Health Matters” blog before – remember their post on zombies and emergency preparedness? Last week, the blog featured the story of Cyndi Rilling, a CDC employee who had to put her family’s emergency plan into action when tornadoes roared around her house.

Cyndi talks about the steps she took to emphasize emergency preparedness with her children, and how her emergency kit and shelter proved to be invaluable when storms whirled around them. Here’s a look at some Cyndi’s blog post – check out the full blog post on the “Public Health Matters” blog:

Before this tornado outbreak, we had mixed success discussing our family’s emergency preparedness plan with our kids. They’d laugh and comment that “nothing ever really happens around here.” They agreed to follow the plan if things ever got bad, but they were somewhat resistant to what they called the “crazy drills,” like practicing where the rally point was.

And they asked why we had to shelter under the porch, preferring to stay in their beds. The night of April 27 wasn’t a “crazy drill” though, it was the real thing and I was happy we had a plan in place.

Posted by: Dan Stoneking, Director of Private Sector

What do Waffle Houses have to do with risk and disaster management?

As anyone who has heard Administrator Fugate speak once or twice knows, more than you might think. During his days as the head of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management, Craig began to use a simple test to determine how quickly a community might be able to get up and running again after a disaster: The Waffle House test.

If this comparison seems odd at first, think again.

Yesterday, EHS Today, a magazine for environment, health and safety leaders, explained that major companies such as The Home Depot, Walmart, and Waffle House serve as role models in disaster preparedness. They’ve taken necessary steps to prepare. These companies have good risk management plans to ensure that their stores continue to operate when a disaster strikes, and also provide basic supplies to people in their community. As the article explains, the Waffle House test is:

If a Waffle House store is open and offering a full menu, the index is green. If it is open but serving from a limited menu, it’s yellow. When the location has been forced to close, the index is red. Because Waffle House is well-prepared for disasters… it’s rare for the index to hit red.

As Craig often says, the Waffle House test doesn’t just tell us how quickly a business might rebound – it also tells us how the larger community is faring. The sooner restaurants, grocery and corner stores, or banks can re-open, the sooner local economies will start generating revenue again – signaling a stronger recovery for that community. The success of the private sector in preparing for and weathering disasters is essential to a community’s ability to recover in the long run.

EHS Today’s article serves as a good reminder that businesses should get ready. Up to 40 percent of businesses affected by a natural or man-made disaster never reopen, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Keep your business out of this statistic. As we’ve said before, learn about the resources available to help your company prepare for a disaster – and stay in business.

Posted by: Public Affairs

As we have seen over the past several months, historic flooding has been occurring throughout the central and southern regions. While rivers remain high around these regions and communities are impacted by the long-duration flooding, we continue to support local and state governments throughout the U.S. and are coordinating with the federal family’s response to the ongoing flooding.

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted that the flood threat will continue this summer as many rivers remain above flood stage. This flood fight is going to be a long effort – but we will be standing with all of the affected families, neighborhoods and communities every step of the way. And it will continue to be a team effort – with the government working hand in hand with all of our partners, public and private.

We have been working proactively with these states for months to prepare for and respond to flooding. We encourage people to remain vigilant and stay prepared as high river levels are expected to continue for weeks; perhaps until the end of the summer. And if you’ve been affected by the flooding, see if disaster assistance is available in your county.

Here's a look at some of the ways we continue to work with other government agencies to provide resources and expertise to help individuals, communities, and states prepare for and respond to the rising waters:

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing FEMA and other federal agencies with hydrologic reports and expertise related to river level forecasts. The information provided by the Army Corps is shared with our emergency management partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
• The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is providing geo-intelligence along the Missouri River. This information is used to create flood inundation mapping that assists local and state emergency managers make informed decisions to protect life and property.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing continuous updates on the status of major and critical transportation routes.
• The Civil Air Patrol is performing aerial reconnaissance to provide high resolution imaging of flooding.
• Subject-matter experts from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are mission-assigned to provide guidance on the assessment of the electrical grid, powerlines, waterlines, and wastewater treatment facilities in the impacted area.

For more information on FEMA’s efforts, check out the “Floods” category on the blog, and be sure to visit Ready.gov/floods to get prepared today.

Posted by: Rich Serino, Deputy Administrator

Minot, North Dakota, is currently experiencing some pretty devastating flooding. I visited Minot on Wednesday to review response and recovery operations there, to meet with State and local officials, as well as the FEMA team on the ground. State and local officials have been doing an amazing job keeping their citizens safe and supporting disaster survivors. Given the large amount of damage caused by the flooding, the fact that there has been no loss of life is a true testament to the importance of the swift actions leaders took in order to ensure safety. Mayor Zimbelman of Minot, Mayor Gruenberg of Burlington, Governor Dalrymple, and The Adjutant General, General Sprynczynatyk, have been leading their teams in doing great work, and I’m proud of the FEMA team that’s supporting their efforts.


Minot, ND, June 29, 2011 -- Rich Serino, FEMA deputy administrator, surveys flooding in Minot with The Adjutant General, General Sprynczynatyk.

I surveyed flooding throughout Minot and nearby affected counties by helicopter with General Sprynczynatyk. The devastation is severe. Infrastructure, homes, and businesses are affected. Many buildings are completely submerged by water, with roofs barely visible. But even with all the devastation, there were also many success stories with flood-fighting measures. As we surveyed other counties affected by flooding, I saw where the Corps of Engineers was working on protective measures for other structures and neighborhoods.

Levees had been built to protect many public buildings and critical infrastructure, including an elementary school, helping minimize damage. The preparations made by state and local officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to contribute to the flood-fighting efforts.


Minot, ND, June 29, 2011 -- General Sprynczynatyk discusses issues with Richard Serino (left), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy administrator, during a disaster recovery meeting with state and local officials in Minot, North Dakota.

Minot Mayor Zimbelman, Burlington Mayor Gruenberg, North Dakota Governor Dalrymple, and General Sprynczynatyk, helped me understand the needs and concerns of survivors and the community at large. I explained the importance of FEMA’s role in providing assistance to disaster survivors. Based on information gathered in joint damage assessments, FEMA was also able to make available individual assistance programs in three more counties, bringing needed disaster assistance to more individuals and business owners. FEMA was assisting in protective flood-fighting measures in communities across North Dakota long before flooding began, and FEMA will be in North Dakota for the long haul, providing tools to help the community and survivors rebuild.


Minot, ND, June 29, 2011 -- Richard Serino (left), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy administrator, meets with Faith based Volunteer Agencies at the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in South Minot, North Dakota.

I also had a meeting with the Small Business Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Lutheran Disaster Services, and other faith-based and volunteer groups, thanking them for the joint effort they have made to assist disaster survivors ever since flooding preparations began. They are such an important part of the team, and the work they have done and are continuing to do is a true testament to the good that can come of a “whole community” approach to emergency management.

One of the highlights of my visit was when I met with disaster survivors at a local disaster recovery center and shelter. Being able to offer a small amount of comfort and a listening ear to disaster survivors is one of the more rewarding aspects of my job. One conversation I had with a survivor in a Red Cross shelter especially reinforced the community coming together.

The survivor told me how he had taken his car into the shop for repairs prior to the flooding. When he arrived to pick it up a couple days later, the shop owner told him that he didn’t have to pay for the repairs, even though the bill was around $2,000. The owner told him he had been through enough. This is just one example of neighbors helping neighbors, working together during a community’s time of need to make rebuild after disaster a little bit easier.

As I did while visiting Minot, I want to encourage individuals in the eligible counties to register for assistance with FEMA and to visit a disaster recovery center to speak face-to-face with officials from FEMA and the state for more information on available assistance. We remain committed to assisting survivors and communities alongside the other members of the emergency management team, and we’ll be here as long as it takes to help this community recover and rebuild.


Minot, ND, June 29, 2011 -- Richard Serino, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy administrator, visits with disaster survivor Dona Young at the Red Cross shelter in Minot, North Dakota.

Posted By: Deb Ingram, Assistant Administrator, Recovery

In the wake of this year’s deadly tornadoes, storms and flooding, we’re working diligently with a wide array of partner agencies and organizations to support communities recently impacted by disasters (such as Joplin, Mo., Smithville, Miss.; and Cordova, Ala. as well as many others) as they work down the path towards long term recovery and reconstruction. With these thoughts in mind, this week, FEMA hosted a Sustainable Communities Workshop – A Peer-to-Peer Discussion on Recovery in Greensburg, Kansas.

While Greensburg may seem like an odd place to bring together leaders in the emergency management and disaster recovery field, the town has significant meaning for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation. Greensburg sustained damage from an EF-5 tornado on May 4, 2007 that resulted in more than 90 percent of the structures in the community being severely damaged or destroyed, giving leaders there a unique perspective on the challenges currently facing several cities devastated by this spring’s disasters.

The discussions were open and honest, with the focus being the integration of sustainability concepts and principles into recovery. Participants provided state and local peer-to-peer best practices, guidance and advice to one another to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of long term recovery and hazard mitigation efforts.

For me, the most promising take-a-way from the workshop was strengthening relationships between federal, tribal, state and local governments, the business community, non-profit and faith-based groups and the public - who all have a stake in how a community rebuilds after a disaster.

As the recovery and rebuilding efforts continue in the areas hit by the recent disasters, it’s this kind of knowledge sharing and collaboration that will show community leaders that their communities really can come back stronger than ever. This collaboration effort will help communities not only recover from disaster but do so in a way that is good for the environment, good for taxpayers and good for the public’s
long-term health.

This event is also one result of a collaboration between FEMA and Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities, from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) signed in March 2010 (PDF, TXT). This MOA encourages the agencies to work together to build a strong framework for both pre-disaster planning, post-disaster recovery and integrating smart growth into hazard mitigation planning for communities around the nation. This work also helps to inform federal, tribal, state and local efforts to develop strategies for integrating hazard mitigation and recovery programs and adapting to a changing climate.

We wanted to be sure that the lessons shared during this workshop went beyond just those that were able to participate, so a report is being produced to document the keys ideas and recommendations from the communities and states that were able to participate.

FEMA will continue working with all the communities affected by this spring’s disasters to support them as they continue down their road to recovery and work to come back stronger and more sustainable, while mitigating against future disaster.

Other links
- More information about Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities
- Long Term Community Recovery Planning – A Self Help Guide
- 2008 Road to Recovery – Review of Emergency Support Function #14 LTCR Activities
- Sustainability and Hazard Mitigation in Recovery
- More information about rebuilding after a disaster

Posted by: David Kaufman, Director, Office of Policy and Program Analysis

I’ve blogged a few times about our Strategic Foresight Initiative as we promote broader, long-term thinking about the future of emergency management.  My last post talked about nine drivers that will influence this future, and mentioned we would be exploring key issues in each of these areas.  I wanted to highlight three of these areas in this blog post, and briefly mention our approach in exploring the issues by using a combination of foresight and prediction.

While the two terms seem similar, a key difference between the two is that foresight acknowledges the fact that the future is uncertain, and tries to prepare decision makers for how the future may change.  Predictions are an attempt to remove uncertainty from the future.  Emergency managers must attempt to foresee what possible futures they may face when they make decisions that will have implications for years down the road. Today, it is important for emergency managers use a combination of foresight and predictions as they think about the future.  And that’s the approach we took in exploring each of the drivers.

I wanted to share our findings on three of these drivers in this post: 

• Technology –The adoption of smartphones, new media, and other emerging technologies will change emergency management as they are adopted by a greater number of Americans—or if a disaster makes cellular networks unavailable.
• Government budgets - Budget projections are grim at all levels of government.  Balance sheets are still feeling the effects of the economic downturn that began in 2007, and budgets will be squeezed in the long term by health care and retirement obligations as the Baby Boomers begin to retire.  Emergency managers will need to consider how they fund their activities if government budgets continue to be constrained.   
• The state of critical infrastructure - The average age of infrastructure in the United States has been rising, meaning that structures are becoming older and more prone to failure.  Beyond that, the very nature of infrastructure could change as America adopts new and different technologies such as alternative energy and enhanced wireless communications networks.  Emergency response could be hindered by aging infrastructure, or disruptions to communications networks, and investments in new infrastructure offer opportunities to reduce the impacts of future disasters.

Through our Strategic Foresight Initiative, we have compiled additional research information about these three drivers.  I invite you to review these papers and post any comments, thoughts, or suggestions you may have.  Our objective is to broaden the dialogue and generate feedback and new perspectives on the issues being identified.

Posted by: Public Affairs

Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.


Minot, ND, June 29, 2011 -- Richard Serino, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy administrator, visits with Red Cross official at the Red Cross shelter in Minot, North Dakota during his visit on June 29.

North Dakota Flooding Response
Federal, state, and local officials continue to support disaster survivors in response to the historic flooding along the Souris River in North Dakota. Here’s a look back at our blog posts this week, discussing the emergency management team’s role in the ongoing flood-fighting efforts in North Dakota:

• Photos: North Dakota Flooding & Recovery
• News of the Day: Disaster Assistance in North Dakota
• Floodwaters Swamp Minot, But Don’t Dampen Resolve in the “Magic City”

Disaster assistance is available to individuals and business owners in McHenry, Morton, Renville, Ward and Burleigh counties, and we encourage all disaster survivors to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 or by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov on your smartphone.

Upcoming holiday weekend
With the Fourth of July only a few days away, we wanted to take the time to remind you to have a safe and memorable holiday. For many, Independence Day is marked by fireworks, cookouts, and picnics. While you celebrate this year, remember to leave the fireworks to the professionals and use safe cooking techniques at your cookout. And if your local forecast is calling for high temperatures, remember to take steps to get prepared for the heat.

Arlene stays away, but serves as a reminder
In case you missed it this week, tropical storm Arlene became the first named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. Although Arlene did not have a significant impact on the U.S. (and has since began to dissipate over Mexico), it serves as a reminder that hurricane season is here. Make sure you’re prepared for hurricane season by visiting Ready.gov/hurricanes and visit the National Hurricane Center website for official advisories and forecasts on severe tropical weather.

Faces of Homeland Security
Earlier this week, Secretary Napolitano, launched Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines to tell the stories of some of the inspiring DHS employees who have gone above and beyond to prevent terrorism, secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

Check out Sidney Melton’s (a FEMA employee) story about his role following the deadly tornadoes that struck Alabama this spring.