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Disaster Preparedness PDF Print E-mail

flood-damageWhen natural disaster strikes – whether from a flood, hurricane, or tornado – it is imperative that we work quickly and efficiently to restore and rebuild. In 1994, as a freshman member of Congress, Hurricane Alberto dropped what was then the worst flood in modern times on Southwest Georgia. We evacuated 40,000 people and ultimately rebuilt nearly 12,000 homes, businesses, and schools. It became a defining moment for me as a leader and legislator and not just because it gave me an opportunity to roll up my sleeves and help my constituents. I became aware of the unique challenges that disasters present to poor, rural and disadvantaged communities.

Although local and state governments share responsibility for protecting their citizens from disasters and for helping them recover when a disaster strikes, some disasters exceed the state and local governments’ response capabilities. In these cases, federal assistance is crucial to alleviating the short and long-term impact that natural disasters have on our communities and is essential to helping victims get back on their feet. The process of federal assistance begins with the state’s governor, who must request assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information about the declarations process, read FEMA’s Guide to the Disaster Declarations Process and Federal Disaster Assistance.

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FEMA disaster assistance falls into three general categories:

1. Individual Assistance — aid to individuals and households;

2. Public Assistance — aid to public (and certain private non-profit) entities for certain emergency services and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities (see chart at left to learn more about the Public Assistance process);

3. Hazard Mitigation Assistance — funding for measures designed to reduce future losses to public and private property.


FEMA’s Mitigation Grant programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages. Currently, FEMA administers the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, the Repetitive Flood Claims Program, and the Severe Repetitive Loss Program. For more information about these programs, read FEMA’s Mitigation Grant Programs Fat Sheet.


Disaster Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers:

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The 2008 Farm Bill created five programs that provide disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers, which are as follows:
  1. Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program
  2. Livestock Indemnity Program
  3. Livestock Forage Disaster Program
  4. Tree Assistance Program
  5. Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program

To learn more about these disaster assistance programs for farmers and ranchers, read the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Assistance Programs Fact Sheet, or view the chart at right.



Disaster Preparedness Resources:
FEMA’s Steps to Applying for Disaster Assistance
Guide to Citizen Preparedness
How to Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Flood Maps, Insurance, and Information



Latest Disaster Preparedness News:

 
Washington, D.C. Office • 2429 Rayburn HOB • Washington, DC 20515-1002 • Phone: (202) 225-3631 • Fax: (202) 225-2203 • View Google Directions Google Map
Albany Office • 235 West Roosevelt Ave • Albany Towers • Suite 114 • Albany, GA 31701 • Phone: (229) 439-8067 • Fax: (229) 436-2099 • View Google Directions Google Map
Columbus Office • 18 Ninth Street • Suite 201 • Columbus, GA 31901 • Phone: (706) 320-9477 • Fax: (706) 320-9479 • View Google Directions Google Map
Thomasville Office • 137 East Jackson Street • Thomasville, GA 31792 • Phone: (229) 226-7789 • Fax: (229) 226-7860 • View Google Directions Google Map