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you are here Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes FBI Washington, D.C. Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707. The National Center for Disaster Fraud was created by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal agencies, including the FBI, participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud. The FBI reminds the public to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the tornadoes. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods. Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including: Consumers can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov Arkansans Warned To Watch Out For Scam Artists LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (MMD Newswire) May 16, 2011 -- As many Arkansans face the destruction caused by the recent storms, tornadoes and floods, state and federal emergency management officials are warning of a danger lurking around the corner: Scam artists could soon appear at your door attempting to take advantage of your vulnerability as a disaster survivor. "We understand that Arkansans are anxious to get repairs done and get the help they need to put their lives back in order," said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. "If you're a disaster survivor, please be cautious when dealing with strangers at your door." "Unfortunately, we are now receiving reports from our FEMA teams in the field that there are bogus inspectors operating in some neighborhoods," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy M. Casper. "It's vital that Arkansans ask to see official IDs." Maxwell and Casper say there are steps you can take now to protect yourself from falling victim to post-disaster fraud. Knowing the most common post-disaster fraud practices is step one: Phony housing inspectors: Of concern, especially, if your home's damage is visible from the street, is the phony housing inspector who knocks at your door claiming to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Your response should be: * If the inspector does not offer to show his or her identification badge, ask to see it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone's affiliation with the government. * Do not give bank account numbers to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information. Phony building contractors: Damage visible from the street also can bring out fake contractors who come to your home offering to make repairs. Refuse any offer like that. Most legitimate contractors will have more work than they can handle after a disaster. When you do hire a contractor, take these steps: * Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references, get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print. * Demand that the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property. Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on your sympathy for disaster survivors. They know that many people want to help others in need. Be aware that solicitations for disaster aid may arrive via email, letter or even from a visitor at your door. Here is how to ensure the solicitation is legitimate: o Research the charitable organization by getting an exact name, street address, phone number, and web address-then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer. o Think before you give cash - donate in the form of a check made out to f the charity in case you must stop the check later. o Request a receipt with the charity's name, street address, phone number and web address (if applicable). Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide such receipts for tax purposes. Fake offers of state or federal aid: Someone claiming to be from FEMA knocks on your door or calls or e-mails you asking for your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Beware - that information may be sold to identity thieves. A twist on this scam is the phone or door-to-door solicitor who promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise you a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full. Here's what to do: * Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you suspect someone is engaging in unscrupulous activities, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and to the Consumer Protection division of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office at 1-800-482-8982.
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God bless the Republic! stormy weather tips Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, when the islands are most susceptible to a hurricane threat. A tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued when conditions are expected in the specified area of the watch, usually within 48 hours. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local media outlets for the latest weather information. Store at least 7 days worth of drinking water and non-perishable food. Fill your car's gas tank, and know the best route to evacuate. A tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued when conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 36 hours. Be prepared to shelter in place or to evacuate immediately, if emergency management officials advise it. ### Every home should have a disaster supply kit for hurricanes, flash floods, tsunamis, and power outages. Store at least a week's supply of food and water; a first aid kit with medicines especially any prescription drugs; special items for babies, the elderly and pets; flashlights; a battery powered radio with extra batteries; and a NOAA Weather Radio. Keep some cash on hand. Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Important documents should be placed in a waterproof container. Take time now! Be prepared! ### Hurricanes not only pack high winds, but can also cause torrential rains that lead to flash flooding and abnormally high waves and storm surge. Known as "The Triple Threat", each of these alone can pose a serious threat to life and property. Taken together they are capable of inflicting a large loss of life and widespread destruction. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki's high waves and storm surge devastated the south shore of Kauai to elevations over 20 feet above sea level. As the hurricane nears the coastline, rapidly rising water levels from wind-driven waves and storm surge will inundate coastal areas, erode beaches, and pound and undermine waterfront structures and roadways. ### During a hurricane or tropical storm event, if you live inland away from the beach, and away from low-lying areas, and your home is well constructed, stay at home. Once a hurricane or tropical storm arrives in your area, remain indoors in an interior room. Blowing debris can be deadly. Travel should be avoided. Plan now and have a disaster supply kit on hand. ### In Hawaii, mountainous terrain accelerates hurricane and tropical storm winds causing extremely high winds that can destroy buildings, structures, trees, vegetation and crops. Heavy and prolonged rains can accompany all types of tropical cyclones including hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. Even the weakest tropical depressions can bring torrential rains and flash flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. When forming a disaster preparedness plan, consider each factor and how it could affect your family and property. TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN®
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water. Follow these safety rules: Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Flash Floods Except for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other hazard. Why? Most people fail to realize the power of water. For example, six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet. While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national 30-year average (1977-2006) for flood deaths is 99. That compares with a 30-year average of 61 deaths for lightning, 54 for tornadoes and 49 for hurricanes. National Weather Service data also shows: Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover. Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides. Occasionally, floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back by the ice jam or debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release. |
you are here Weather FEMA Urges Planning and Preparation For Hurricane Season FEMA Release Number: R4-11-004 ATLANTA, Ga. (MMD Newswire) May 31, 2011 - - June 1 marks the start of another hurricane season in the U.S., even as the recovery from the historic tornado outbreaks continues in the southeast. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center has estimated six to 10 hurricanes this season, with three to six of those expected to be Category 3 or above. FEMA is prepared to respond to the needs of states in hurricane-prone areas, but any federal response needs to be paired with citizen preparedness-- in businesses and at home. "You can't know far ahead of time when it will be your community in the path of a hurricane. If you wait until the storm is bearing down on you, you may forget important things," said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. "Plan ahead, stay safe and stay informed." Being prepared makes a big difference in disasters, but it doesn't have to come at a big cost. A quick look around your house or apartment can get you almost everything you need to build an emergency supply kit, which should include three days of food and water, prescription medication, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, can opener, local maps, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. A complete list of recommended items for an emergency supply kit can be found at www.ready.gov, FEMA's emergency preparedness website. Having the proper supplies early in a disaster is vital, but so is having a communication plan to stay in touch with family members. 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. You should also share your evacuation plans, so others know that you are out of harm's way. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, such as shelters and evacuation routes. Have different sources of information in case one is not working- don't rely on just TV, radio, or the internet. A smartphone can be a great resource as well. FEMA's mobile site, m.fema.gov, allows disaster survivors to apply for assistance, locate Disaster Recovery Centers and Red Cross shelters. Finally, know your risk in a disaster. While FEMA assistance can help you get back on your feet, it won't make you whole. To protect your investment in your home and possessions, you need insurance and an understanding of what is and isn't covered. A typical homeowner's policy may cover damage to your home from winds, but it won't cover damage due to storm surge and inland flooding. A separate flood insurance policy can be purchased, often from the same agent from whom you get your homeowners insurance. Flood insurance can be bought separately for a structure (home or business) and personal possessions (contents)--so renters can purchase flood insurance, too. Go to www.floodsmart.gov and learn about your flood risk now. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, so don't wait. 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. US Forest Service Urges Communities to Prepare for Wildfires Washington, DC (MMD Newswire) May 27, 2011 - - Nine out of ten wildfires are preventable. In other words, nine out of ten wildfires are caused by people from carelessness. But homeowners and others are not powerless against wildfires. In fact, homeowners who exercise common sense tactics, such as clearing brush and debris away from structures, play a vital role in slowing the spread of fire and protecting their property. Right now, moisture and cool temperatures in the Western United States are holding off the Western wildfire season. At the same time, the Southwestern United States is experiencing extensive wildfire activity in forestland and on private property, most notably in Texas. "One of our jobs at the Forest Service is to keep wildfires away from homes and communities and to reduce fire severity to manageable levels," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "But individual homeowners also play a key role--they have a responsibility to make their properties as safe as possible from fires." The National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Communities program teaches homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters and others about ways to protect people and property from wildfires. Firewise suggestions include: Remove trees, brush and grass from around your structures Clear anything flammable from within 3 feet of the base of your structures Clean the roof and gutters of pine needles and other debris Remove tree limbs less than 10 feet from the ground around your structures Replace a shake-shingle roof with a non-flammable alternative Keep your lawn clean and green In addition to urging homeowners to make their properties as safe as possible from fire, the Forest Service's overall strategy is to work through cross-jurisdictional partnerships before fires start rather than relying on suppression tactics alone. The agency's community partners have an array of tools at their disposal, including: External fuel buffers, internal safety zones and community wildfire protection plans Fire departments with the capacity to mitigate, educate and protect at-risk communities Codes and ordinances that address wildfire threats Forest management and fuels mitigation techniques Cooperative fire agreements Wildland fire management response in the United States has evolved into an increasingly complex and multifaceted system. The nation's Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy cites as one of its goals that human populations and infrastructure can withstand a wildfire without loss of life and property. To do that, the strategy calls for individuals and communities to accept their responsibility to prepare their properties for wildfire. Nearly 694 communities in 40 states are part of the national Firewise Communities/USA® Recognition Program and thousands more are using Firewise principles. But there are still many communities nationwide that are at risk to wildfire. Go here to read the latest newsletter from Firewise.org, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior and the National Association of State Foresters. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. FEMA: Tips To Prevent Post-Flooding Mold At Home: Clean It, Dry It Or Discard It LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (MMD Newswire) May 18, 2011 -- Recovery specialists are offering some sound advice for Arkansans whose homes and property were hit by disaster-related flooding: Protect your family's health and your own by treating or discarding mold- and mildew-infected items. Health officials urge those who find mold to act fast. Cleaning mold quickly and properly is essential for a healthy home, especially for people who suffer from allergies and asthma, said specialists from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mold and mildew can start growing within 24 hours after a flood, and can lurk throughout a home, from the attic to the basement and crawl spaces. The best defense is to clean, dry or, as a last resort, discard moldy items. "It can be hard to get rid of a favorite armchair, your child's teddy bear or any other treasures that have developed mold," said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of ADEM. "To safeguard the well-being of your loved ones, though, a top-to-bottom home cleanup is your best defense." "While FEMA focuses on rushing assistance dollars to Arkansans affected by the storms and floods, we're counting on individuals to do what they can to protect their health," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy M. Casper. "We'll get through this if we all work together." Many materials are prone to developing mold if they are damp or wet for too long. Start a post-flood cleanup by sorting all items exposed to floodwaters: * Wood and upholstered furniture, and other porous materials can trap mold and may need to be thrown away. * Glass, plastic and metal objects and other items made of hardened or nonporous materials can often be cleaned, disinfected and reused. * Carpeting is a problem because drying it out does not remove mold spores. Carpets with heavy mold and mildew should be discarded. All flood-dampened surfaces should be cleaned, disinfected and dried as soon as possible. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and effective cleanup: Open windows for ventilation and wear rubber gloves and eye protection when cleaning. Consider using an N-95-rated mask if heavy concentrations of mold are present. * Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent to clean all areas and washable items that came in contact with floodwaters. * Mix 1 1/4 cups of household bleach in one gallon of water and thoroughly rinse and disinfect the area. Never mix bleach with ammonia as the fumes are toxic. * Cleaned areas can take several days to dry thoroughly. The use of heat, fans and dehumidifiers can speed up the drying process. * Check out all odors. It's possible for mold to hide in the walls or behind wall coverings. Find all mold sources and clean them properly. * Remove and discard all materials that can't be cleaned, such as wallboard, fiberglass and cellulose areas. Then clean the wall studs where wallboard has been removed, and allow the area to dry thoroughly. The Arkansas Department of Health is currently featuring floodwater safety information on its website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov. Other tips about post-flooding cleanup are available at www.fema.gov, FEMA: Safe Room Offers Best Protection Against Tornadoes And Hurricanes Washington, DC (MMD Newswire) May 4, 2011 -- While it may not have the allure of granite countertops or a whirlpool bathtub, a residential safe room is one rock-solid home improvement worth considering. A safe room can protect a family from the deadly high winds associated with a tornado or hurricane. "Any time is a good time to install a safe room, but when a home undergoes restoration--that's the best time to include a hardened bathroom or a reinforced closet," said Mike Bolch, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in North Carolina. "It's easier and less expensive to plan and build a safe room during a full-scale repair." A small interior room on the lowest living level of a home is the most practical location because warning times for tornadoes can be very short, making quick access to the safe room important. The safe room could be described as a room within a room that will remain intact even if the surrounding house sustains major damage. The room needs to be rated to withstand winds in excess of 200 mph and flying debris that could include tree limbs, two-by-fours and concrete blocks. The FEMA publication Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business helps home and business owners assess their risk and determine the best type of safe room for their needs. The publication also provides designs for basement, in-ground and above-ground safe rooms. The publication can be downloaded at: www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1536. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. FEMA: Building A Safe Room QandA Washington, DC (MMD Newswire) May 4, 2011 -- FEMA Release Number: 1969-021 Q: What is the cost of installing a safe room in a new home or small business? A: Costs for construction of both vary across the United States. The cost for constructing a safe room which can double as a master closet, bathroom, or utility room, inside a new home or small business can range from approximately $4,500 to $8,500. This budget would provide an 8-foot by 8-foot safe room. A 14-foot by 14-foot safe room could cost $15,000 to $25,000. Costs vary significantly depending on the following factors: * size * location inside the building * number of exterior home walls used in the construction * type of door * type of foundation * location of the home Q: Can I install a safe room in my existing home? A: Installing a safe room in an existing home is more expensive than installing the same safe room in a new home under construction. An architect or engineer should be consulted to address the structural issues and the debris protection criteria, even when not required by the local building department. Q: Can I build a safe room on my own? A: Maybe. Some pre-fabricated safe rooms are available that require less building construction experience to successfully install. Before you buy, make sure that it meets the FEMA safe room design and protection criteria. Local codes will apply. The National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) is a non-profit organization with a quality verification and seal program. Members of the NSSA that manufacture and construct residential safe rooms submit their designs to the NSSA for third-party design reviews to ensure verification of compliance with FEMA criteria. This organization is also helpful in validating vendor claims of compliance with FEMA criteria for safe rooms. Their Web site (www.nssa.cc) is a good place to find verified safe room vendors. Q: Where can I find additional information and plans for safe room construction? A: You can order FEMA's publication 320, Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room inside Your Home or Small Business. It contains construction plans and specifications. Call 800-480-2520 or visit www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/shplans/. Q: Are safe rooms recommended for homes in hurricane-prone areas? A: Maybe. The first consideration is to obey evacuation guidance. Next, you don't want to put yourself in an area subject to flooding. A residential safe room should not be located in any of the following areas: * Coastal high hazard areas or other areas known to be subject to high-velocity wave action * Areas seaward of the limit of moderate wave action where mapped, also referred to as the coastal "A" zone * Floodways * Areas subject to coastal storm surge inundation associated with category 4 or 5 hurricanes Q: My house has a basement; do I need a safe room? A: Some strong tornadoes have resulted in loss of the floor framing, collapse of basement walls, and death and injuries to individuals taking refuge in a basement. What constitutes an acceptable level of protection is an individual decision. Basements are a good location to install or build a safe room, but access for handicapped or physically challenged individuals may need to be considered. The flood risk of your location may also affect whether or not it is appropriate to place a safe room in your basement. Safe rooms should not be located in flood prone areas, mapped or not. When appropriate, in-ground and basement safe rooms provide the highest level of protection against missiles and falling debris because they are typically shielded from direct forces of wind and debris; however, above-ground designs that meet FEMA criteria will provide near-absolute protection. The most convenient location in most homes is in the basement. An in-ground safe room can be installed beneath a concrete slab-on-grade foundation or concrete garage floor. Q: Are inspections required? A: Obtaining the proper building permits and inspections is important for all construction. Q: How do I find vendors for shelters and more information about safe room construction? A: The designs that FEMA recommends can be built by most residential contractors. If you are unsure a safe room or shelter product meets the FEMA criteria, contact your local or state emergency management office or FEMA via email at saferoom@dhs.gov. The Wind Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University also provides technical guidance about safe rooms and shelters. www.depts.ttu.edu/weweb/ Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. |
