U.S. Government News

Disaster Officials Urge Applicants to Save Receipts

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:09:59 PST

If you received rental funds or other disaster aid as a result of the June storms, save your receipts, disaster-management officials said.

FEMA Offers Two Easy Ways To Apply For Disaster Assistance

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:21:46 PST

Nearly 600 Illinois residents have already found out there are two easy ways to apply for federal disaster assistance - two easy ways to apply for federal disaster assistance - by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free number or going online.

President Declares Emergency Disaster For California

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:11:18 PST

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the President declared an emergency exists in the state of California and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts in the area struck by wildfires beginning on June 20, 2008 and continuing.

Federal Aid Programs For California Emergency Disaster Recovery

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:09:42 PST

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's emergency disaster declaration issued for California.

Hear Latest Watches, Warnings With A NOAA Weather Radio

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:40:52 PST

The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding earlier this month and the damage they caused serve as reminders of the importance of being prepared when it comes to bad weather. One of the essential preparedness items your family should have is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.

Sixty-Five Iowa Counties Now Eligible for Federal Assistance

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:04:14 PST

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced that six additional counties are now eligible for federal Individual Assistance programs and 14 additional counties are now eligible for federal Public Assistance to repair infrastructure. Joint federal and state disaster assessments are on-going throughout the state.

Use Caution When Returning Home to Clean Up After Flood or Tornado

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:13:58 PST

Disaster officials urge Iowa residents to take extra precautions when returning to flood-damaged homes, apartments or businesses to avoid accidents and injury. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) caution that all danger has not passed simply because the water is receding.

Federal Response To Midwest Floods Continues

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:14:31 PST

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the federal response to support states impacted by tornados and floods: Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. More than 11 million residents in these states could be affected by flooding and other weather-related events.

Disaster Assistance Available for Hoosier Residents

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:39:27 PST

A toll-free application telephone number and on-line registration are now operational for residents in eight Indiana counties who suffered property damage or losses from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 30 and continuing.

2008 Hurricane Season Predicted To Be Above Average

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:15:35 PST

I.I.I. Offers Five Tips to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Property

Hurricane Season Begins June 1st: CPSC Urges Consumers to Prepare for Dangers After the Storm

Sat, 31 May 2008 08:39:53 PST

June 1st marks the start of hurricane season. As you put your hurricane plan in place to protect your family and your home, CPSC is urging consumers to include a plan for after the storm.

FEMA to Assume Aggregator/Gateway Role for Nationwide Cell Phone Alert System

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:01:13 PST

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it will perform the unified aggregator/gateway role for the Commercial Mobile Alert System, mandated by the Warning Alert Response Network (WARN) Act.

FEMA Announces $27.2 Million Available for National Preparedness Training Initiatives

Wed, 28 May 2008 12:09:08 PST

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it is making $27.2 million available to state, local, tribal and territorial governments; national associations, non-profits, higher education institutions and the private sector as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP).

Federal Aid Programs For Colorado Disaster Recovery

Tue, 27 May 2008 10:45:26 PST

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.

Tornadoes In Colorado And Wyoming

Fri, 23 May 2008 12:16:58 PST

Shortly after tornadoes touched down in Colorado and Wyoming, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) went on alert and communicated with local emergency management officials to asses their immediate needs.

Disaster Unemployment Now Available For Mississippi Flood Victims

Thu, 22 May 2008 21:42:38 PST

Bolivar, Warren, Washington and Wilkinson County residents and business owners who are out of work as a direct result of the recent severe storms and flooding may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program.

FEMA: Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

Thu, 22 May 2008 12:22:39 PST

Americans in hurricane-prone states must get serious and be prepared," said FEMA Administrator

FEMA Prepared To Assist In Wake Of Tornadoes In Arkansas

Fri, 02 May 2008 19:46:07 PST

DENTON, TEXAS -- In the wake of the tornadoes that struck the State of Arkansas today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working closely with State officials to help those who suffered damages.

Ten Misconceptions That Can Hinder Disaster Aid

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:59:54 PST

Don't let half-truths and rumors cause you to miss out on the federal disaster assistance made available for those devastated by the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Georgia recently. Federal and state officials agree the last thing people need after suffering losses is misinformation. The following adds clarification for some common misconceptions about disaster assistance:

IRS Tax Relief Available For Those Affected By January Floods

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:54:48 PST

The IRS will postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area until May 6. The postponement applies to return filing, tax payment and certain other time-sensitive acts otherwise due between Jan. 7 and May 6. In addition, the IRS will waive failure to deposit penalties for employment and excise deposits due on or after Jan. 7 and on or before Jan. 22, as long as the deposits were made by Jan. 22.