September is National Preparedness Month and 2010 marks the seventh anniversary of this campaign. This year the Ready Campaign and the Ad Council, the companies that produce PSAs (public service announcements), are focusing on FEMA’s second step to being prepared, “Make a Plan.” The thought is that if families and businesses make an emergency preparedness plan, they will then take the steps to prepare an emergency disaster kit.
Events during September’s National Preparedness Month include a webinar on its Private Sector Preparedness Certification Program. The webinar will encourage businesses to make a preparedness planthat promotes business continuityso they can help the private sector get back in business quickly after a disaster. FEMA is also encouraging public and private sector organizations to become a NPM Coalition member and individuals to join the Citizen Corps.
While it is important to be prepared for a disaster, it is also important to remember to be prepared to recover. When making an emergency disaster plan for your home or business, include the steps you need to take to get back on your feet.
With all the news about major disasters declared by President Obama throughout the United States, there are people ready to jump on the opportunity to take advantage of those most in need. As a result, FEMA offered tips on avoiding and reporting fraud for those recovering from flood damage.
Avoiding Scams
Always see ID. If someone comes to your home and states they are with FEMA or with the Small Business Administration (SBA), ask to see their ID if it is not immediately presented to you. Asking to see identification will not offend government workers as they are expected to present or be asked for ID. Those who are not willing to present ID, are reluctant to do so or act like it is a hassle are most likely not with FEMA or the SBA. FEMA states on their website, “Inspectors sent by FEMA or verifiers from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) carry official, laminated photo identification. Applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.”
Do not give out or show personal information. FEMA inspectors will never ask you for your personal information such as a social security number, bank account information and so on. If you are asked about wet documents, such as a business documents or social security cards, do not show them to anyone except a reputable restoration professional you personally hired that specializes in drying wet documents and wet books. If a government representative or a person claiming to be a contractor asks you for this, they are not legitimately conducting business with your best interests in mind. The only time you will be asked for personal information by FEMA is when you register with the agency for emergency assistance. After that, representatives will only ask for the last four digits of your SSN.
Only use licensed and insured contractors. All legitimate contractors have a licensed through a state contractor’s board and carry their own insurance. Ask for proof of insurance before a contractor begins any work, get all estimates and contracts in writing and read all the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Also, keep this fact from FEMA in mind: “FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage.”
Reporting Fraud
Report fraud or suspected fraud to the Disaster Fraud Hotline: 800-323-8603.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) if you question the validity of a person’s identity that has called or visited you.
FEMA administrator, Craig Fugate, announced recently the agency will create a group that will focus on the needs of children during times of an emergency called “Children’s Working Group”.
“The working group will allow FEMA and its partners to explore and implement planning and response strategies specific to children throughout the agency and ensure that during a disaster the unique needs of children are not only considered, but fully integrated into how FEMA administers this support to states and the public.”
FEMA will work with the National Commission on Children and Disasters and will focus on helping plan appropriate evacuation plans that will include topics about sheltering and relocating children. Childcare centers, child welfare programs, and schools will also be included in this plan.
“The Bush administration rewrote this national disaster plan after Hurricane Katrina. The new 82-page plan, issued in January 2008, does not include the word ‘children,’ but it does mention pets. That plan, however, is supplemented by more than 200 pages of annexes, which do address children’s needs, though not in depth.”
The following links have been created by FEMA for children, parents, and teachers:
Several areas in Kentucky have lost the use of major means of communications and electricity due to the severe winter storms the state experienced. A state of emergency was declared, allowing FEMA to step in and provide assistance to the state devastated by severe ice and snowstorms. Areas of the state have lost electricity, telephone and radio service, and water services.
61 counties are receiving federal assistance as emergency generators, prepared meals, water, and truckloads of fuel are being provided to the state of Kentucky. Find more information about Kentucky’s state of emergency on FEMA’s website.
