U.S. Government News

Last Day to Apply For Public Assistance is August 22

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:54:40 PST

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency would like to remind local governments, municipalities and non-profit agencies in Grafton and Coos counties to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) by August 22, 2011, if they implemented emergency measures or their infrastructure was affected during the spring flooding which occurred from May 26th through May 30th.

Disaster Preparedness Costs Little, Saves A Lot

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:32:51 PST

Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. And being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Office Hours Via Twitter: California State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell to Hold Office Hours Online

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:01:59 PST

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that he is now accessible via Twitter and will be holding periodic online office hours using the social networking Web site.

It's Hoosier Winter Storm Preparedness Week

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:24:44 PST

For many, a winter storm summons thoughts of time off from school or work to spend a cozy day at home reading a book or watching television, drinking hot chocolate or making a snowman. But if you're not prepared, a winter storm could replace idyllic plans with a life- threatening disaster. State and federal officials remind Hoosiers during this week of Winter Storm Preparedness to finalize their plans to meet the challenges of a potential winter storm emergency.

Don't be Left Out! Two Weeks to ShakeOut--Thousands Join Each Day, You Can Too

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:13:57 PST

At 10 a.m. on November 13, millions of southern Californians will drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk, and hold on. An earthquake prediction? No. But it is certain that the Great Southern California ShakeOut is on track to being the largest earthquake drill in United States history.

Preparedness Guide 101:FEMA Announces Interim Release

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:34:07 PST

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the release of the interim Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Producing Emergency Plans: A Guide for All-Hazard Operations Planning for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments.

FEMA Encourages Personal Preparedness This Storm Season

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:37:00 PST

While the federal government takes steps to prepare for this hurricane season, we encourage individuals to do the same. Personal preparedness can reduce the risk of storm dangers during and immediately after a storm.

Seattle Earthquake Conference Tackles Tsunamis

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:01:29 PST

Hundreds of geoscientists, engineers, insurance regulators, building officials, emergency managers and earthquake professionals will converge in Seattle to take part in the National Earthquake Conference, 22-26 April 2008, at The Westin Hotel. The conference includes presentations from world-class tsunami experts, and according to Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) Executive Director Bob Freitag, you don't have to be an expert-or even attend the conference-to participate.

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:12:55 PST

There is no time like the present when it comes to sitting down with your family and preparing for the day when you may be forced to evacuate your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

FEMA Funds First Hazard Mitigation Project In Orleans Parish

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:54:08 PST

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved funding to reconstruct six severe repetitive loss properties in Orleans Parish. The approved project is significant because it is the first project in Orleans Parish being funded through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grants Program (HMGP).

Help for Victims of California Wildfires

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:25:32 PST

In response to the California wildfires, the Contractors State License Board and the Department of Insurance have established special consumer assistance hotlines.

California Wildfires: HUD to Offer Foreclosure Relief For Families Displaced By Southern California Wildfires

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:38:20 PST

Those who are forced from their homes by these devastating fires need to know that help is available," said Jackson. "As families put their lives back together, HUD stands ready to assist local recovery efforts in any way we can.

Governor Schwarzenegger Orders California National Guard to Southern California Fires

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:19:43 PST

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today directed the California National Guard (CNG) to make 1500 guardsmen available to support the firefighting efforts in Southern California. The 1500 guardsmen, including 200 troops currently patrolling the California/Mexico border, will be deployed at the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) to areas where they can have the greatest impact.

CDC Video: The History of Bioterrorism

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 10:20:42 PST

These videos describe the Category A diseases: smallpox, anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. If these germs were used to intentionally infect people, they would cause the most illness and death. Watch these videos to learn how some of these agents have been or can be used as bioterrorist weapons.

CDC Emergency Preparedness Tips

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 10:05:05 PST

The possibility of public health emergencies arising in the United States concerns many people in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and the threat of pandemic influenza. Though some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur.

Increase in College Dorm Fires Prompts Officials to Issue Warning

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:02:51 PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As students go off to college and leave the comforts of home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning about the dangers of fires in college housing such as dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks

Student Recruitment for Command and General Staff Functions for Local IMTs

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:03:43 PST

The purpose of this course is to present training to a designated team of fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Department of Public Works, Public Health and/or law enforcement personnel from a larger and generally more populated area, typically with a single jurisdiction (city, county or region).

Your Pets Depend on You! Plan Now to Keep Them Safe in a Disaster Later

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:17:40 PST

NEW YORK, August 13, 2007 — All too often when disaster strikes pets are left to fend for themselves and end up lost, injured or killed. Making your pets a part of your family disaster preparedness plan is an essential step toward ensuring their safety, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner Urges Sacramento Residents to Prepare for Possible Disaster

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:31:58 PST

Home Inventory and Insurance Policy Updates Should be Done Today Before Calamity Strikes Tomorrow; Consumers Can Contact Dept. of Insurance for Free Inventory Guide

Earthquake Preparedness Handbook : Now Available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:06:20 PST

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced today the release of two new publications, both titled, "Protecting Your Family from Earthquakes" The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety." One is written in Spanish, with an accompanying English translation, and the other is translated into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean, also with an accompanying English translation.