Related Information
FEMA Disaster Assistance
To register for disaster assistance through FEMA:
(800) 621-FEMA (3362) or
| Hazard Mitigation Pre-application Due Dec. 6th for Counties Included in Disaster Declaration for Sept./Oct. 11/9/2010 As a result of Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-1944-DR-WI declared October 21, 2010, funding is available for mitigation activities through the Section 404-Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Buffalo, Clark, Jackson, Juneau, Portage, Marathon, Taylor, Trempealeau and Wood Counties were included in the declaration for the Public Assistance Program as a result of flooding, tornadoes and severe storms that occurred between September 22 and October 9, 2010. To read the letter sent to applicable counties with complete details on the program, click here.
Pre-applications are due to the WEM office by Monday, December 6, 2010. To download the pre-application form, click here. | |
| Top 10 Reasons Why People Haven't Applied for Assistance 11/9/2010 With just a few days left to apply for disaster assistance before the Nov. 17 deadline, disaster officials have come up with their own Top Ten List of reasons why people in Grant and Milwaukee counties say they have not applied for assistance. Read Full Story | |
| FEMA/SBA Deadline Approaching - $44 Million Approved 11/5/2010 Almost $45 million in federal grants have been distributed to Grant and Milwaukee County residents since President Obama’s disaster declaration on Sept. 18, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read Full Story | |
| Don't Prejudge Your Eligibility for Disaster Assistance 11/4/2010 More than 30,000 residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties have applied for federal disaster assistance to help recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding July 20-24 since President Obama declared the counties eligible for Individual Assistance on Sept. 18. But Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) think there may be more disaster-affected individuals who have not applied because they think their damages do not warrant coverage. Some residents second guess their eligibility because their neighbor applied and did not qualify. Read Full Story | |
| Village of Brown Deer Wins Flood Battle 11/3/2010 More than five inches of rain soaked the village of Brown Deer on July 22, 2010, putting the city’s mitigation project to the test.
Incorporated in 1955, the village of Brown Deer has been plagued with flooding over the years especially in its low lying areas near two tributaries of Beaver Creek and South Branch Creek, which funnel down to the Milwaukee River. | |
| Be Sure You've Registered with FEMA 11/2/2010 Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties to ensure they have correctly registered for federal disaster assistance by the Nov. 17 deadline. Read Full Story | |
| More Than 28,000 Homes Inspected for Disaster Damage 11/1/2010 Since a presidential disaster declaration was issued Sept. 18, more than 30,000 residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties have applied for federal disaster aid, and nearly 28,500 of their homes already have been inspected, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read Full Story | |
| SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Private Non-Profit Organizations in Wisconsin 10/29/2010 The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that certain Private Non- Profit Organizations (PNPs) that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low interest rate disaster loans. These loans are available in Wisconsin following a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred on Sept. 22 through Oct. 9, 2010. Read Full Story | |
| Free Legal Services Available to Some FEMA Registrants 10/29/2010 Some residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties may qualify for lowcost or free legal services to help recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, July 20- 24. Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is a program offered by the Young Lawyers Divisions of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the American Bar Association, in cooperation with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read Full Story | |
| FEMA Can Process Applications in Almost Any Language 10/29/2010 An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Hmong-speaking individuals live in Milwaukee County. Hmong is just one of 176 languages in which disaster assistance applications can be processed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) want residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties to know that they can apply in almost any language. Read Full Story | |
| Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $40 Million 10/29/2010 More than $40 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help residents and businesses in Grant and Milwaukee counties recover from the July 20-24 storms, tornadoes and flooding, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read Full Story | |
| Last SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Milwaukee to Close November 5 10/29/2010 The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that due to a steady decrease of activity, the Disaster Loan Outreach Center located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin will cease operations on Friday, November 5 at 6 p.m. The Center located at the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters closed on October 28. Read Full Story | |
| ANOTHER MILWAUKEE COUNTY DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER TRANSITIONS TO SBA DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER 10/19/2010 The federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the city of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, 3850 N. 35th St., will transition to a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Friday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m. The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, until further notice. Read Full Story | |
| Governor Doyle requests disaster assistance for ten Wisconsin counties 10/14/2010 Governor Jim Doyle today formally requested a federal disaster declaration for ten Wisconsin counties affected by September's flooding. The disaster declaration would make public assistance available to help affected communities across the state recover from the disaster. "Communities throughout central and western Wisconsin were hit hard by damaging September floods and we are doing everything we can to help them recover," Governor Doyle said. "I'm hopeful that the federal government will provide assistance to help communities quickly rebuild from this costly disaster."
Governor Doyle requested federal disaster assistance for Buffalo, Clark, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marathon, Portage, Taylor, Trempealeau and Wood Counties. The Public Assistance Program would help communities recover some of the costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructure. |  |
| ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT TO REGISTER FOR DISASTER
ASSISTANCE 10/18/2010 NEW BERLIN, Wis.—Only one month remains for homeowners, renters and businesses in Grant and Milwaukee counties who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding July 20-24 to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The registration deadline is Nov. 17. To register or to have questions answered about FEMA disaster assistance applications, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Information about U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan applications is available by calling 1-800-659-2955 or visit the SBA online at www.SBA.gov.
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. | |
| SBA Approves More Than $2 Million in Disaster Loans;
SBA Approves More Than $2 Million in Disaster Loans;
Urges Return of Disaster Loan Applications 10/19/2010 The U. S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $2 million in Disaster Assistance Loans for residents and business owners in Wisconsin affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from July 20 through July 24. Read Full Story | |
| WORKSHOPS TO SHOW HOW TO PROTECT HOMES FROM FUTURE FLOODING 10/18/2010 Twelve workshops will be conducted this week to help area residents reduce future flood losses. Information will be provided about how to protect property with low-cost options to keep a home safe and protect against basement flooding. Read Full Story | |
| Milwaukee Motorists Get the Message 10/8/2010 Motorists driving through Milwaukee could hardly miss the message on how to apply for disaster assistance: “Flood damage? Register today. 1-800-621-FEMA.” Thirteen digital billboards displayed the FEMA Helpline for registration information after a brainstorming session between Marquita Hynes, FEMA's external affairs officer for the flood recovery effort in Grant and Milwaukee counties, and Steve Fronk, Director of the Milwaukee Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Hynes had phoned him to see if they could come up with something more than the standard news releases, fliers and public service announcements. Fronk made a few calls and quickly arranged an unusual and effective tool: the digital billboards along Milwaukee's major thoroughfares.
Clear Channel Outdoor donated 12 of its billboards for 72 hours, and Lamar Advertising of Milwaukee donated one additional billboard. | |
| Disaster recovery books available in Braille at FEMA centers 10/7/2010 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) want to make residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties aware that a limited number of disaster recovery guide books are available in Braille at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). Three DRCs opened in Wisconsin after President Obama declared both counties eligible for Individual Assistance Sept. 18 to help individuals recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding July 20-24.
The Braille recovery books, which include information such as how to apply for disaster assistance, which losses are eligible for coverage and programs that are available to help residents rebuild, became available to the Wisconsin public Sept. 28 for the first time. | |
| Storm-damaged vehicles may be covered by federal assistance 10/7/2010 Residents of Grant and Milwaukee counties as well as employees working in those counties who suffered damage to their automobile during the July 20-24 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance.
FEMA officials advise anyone whose primary personal vehicle was damaged during the flood event to register for assistance. Even if individuals are not residents of Grant or Milwaukee County, but the damage occurred while the vehicle was located in either county, they may be eligible for assistance. | |
| Storm-damaged vehicles may be covered 10/7/2010 If your vehicle was located in Grant or Milwaukee county during theJuly twentieth through twenty-fourth disaster and received damaged, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Even if you are not a resident of those counties, but damage occurred to your primary personal vehicle while you were working in those counties, register with FEMA.
Register today at w-w-w.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-6-2-1- FEMA that’s 800-6-2-1- FEMA. | |
| Wisconsin Federal disaster assistance tops $25.5 million 10/7/2010 Federal assistance for Grant and Milwaukee County residents has topped $25.5 million for the July 20-24 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. As of today, 19,830 renters, homeowners and business owners have registered for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) since President Obama declared a federal disaster on Sept. 18. Register with FEMA before Nov. 17. After registering, FEMA provides applicants with a nine-digit registration number. You must have registered after Sept. 18 with FEMA and have received a nine-digit registration number to be eligible for disaster assistance. Read Full Story | |
| Grant County disaster recovery center closes this Thursday 10/7/2010 The Grant County disaster recovery center at the Lancaster Fire Station, 312 North Washington street will close permanently this Thursday at 7 p.m. until then, it’s open daily, 9 am to 7 pm. After Thursday, Grant County residents who were affected by the July storms can still apply to FEMA by going online to www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA. That’s 1-800-621-FEMA. Read Full Story | |
| SBA to open business recovery centers in Milwaukee County for businesses affected by July storms 9/30/2010 The U.S. Small Business Administration will open Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Milwaukee County on Thursday, Sept. 30 to help businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on July 20 through July 24, 2010. The BRCs will be open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., until further notice. Locations are: Dept. of Public Works
and
Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters Building
SBA’s customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the process, issue and help individuals with their applications. The disaster declaration covers Grant and Milwaukee counties which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Crawford, Iowa, Lafayette, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Washington and Waukesha in Wisconsin; Clayton and Dubuque in Iowa and Jo Daviess in Illinois. | |
| Grant/Milwaukee Counties: FEMA does not send text messages! Beware of fraudulent texts 9/29/2010 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to Grant and Milwaukee County residents who are recovering from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes July 20-24. The reported text message tells recipients they have a message waiting from FEMA, and instructs them to push the star button on their cell phone to obtain information about federal disaster assistance. A subscription of $9.99 per month will be charged to the owner of the cell phone if the star button is pushed. FEMA does not send text messages. Individuals should not respond to any text messages claiming to be from FEMA. Disaster recovery can inspire fraudulent actions in various forms.
Read Full Story | |
| Governor Doyle declares state of emergency for Buffalo, Marathon, Portage, Wood and Jackson Counties 9/24/2010 Governor Doyle today declared a state of emergency in Buffalo, Marathon, Portage and Wood Counties following strong storms that caused flooding in the area. Late last night, the Governor declared a state of emergency in Jackson County in response to damaging storms and flooding. In total, seven counties have been declared a state of emergency. "Strong storms and heavy rains caused serious flooding throughout western and central Wisconsin," Governor Doyle said. "Based on the damage that has been reported, I have declared a State of Emergency in seven counties. State Emergency Management and DNR officials continue to support communities on the ground, working with the National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. The State will continue to do everything we can to help the people and communities affected by these damaging storms make a quick recovery." The Governor’s declaration is a result of the widespread flooding and damaging storms that have occurred throughout the area causing damage to homes and businesses, flooding roads and bringing down power lines. Yesterday, Governor Doyle declared a State of Emergency for Clark County and Trempealeau County, where flooding forced the evacuation of downtown Arcadia in Trempealeau County, washed out roads and bridges, downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. Wisconsin Emergency Management personnel, as well as DNR staff and the National Guard have been on the scene yesterday and today, working with local officials to begin assessing the damage and determining what resources would be needed to help speed recovery efforts. To view the EO for Clark and Jackson Counties, click here.
To view the EO for Buffalo, Marathon, Portage, Wood Counties, click here. | |
| Governor Doyle Declares State of Emergency for Trempealeau County 9/23/2010 Governor Jim Doyle today declared a state of emergency in Trempealeau County following strong storms that caused flooding in the area. The flooding forced the evacuation of downtown Arcadia, washed out roads and bridges, downed power lines and damaged infrastTrempealeau County. Heavy rains are expected to continue in the area throughout the day. “After strong storms and heavy rains last night, I am declaring a State of Emergency in Trempealeau,and have directed state agencies to assist local governments in recovering from this natural disaster,” Governor Doyle said. “State Emergency Management and DNR officials are already on the ground, working with the National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. The State will continue to do everything we can to help the people and communities affected by last night’s storms make a quick recovery.” Wisconsin Emergency Management personnel, as well as DNR staff and the National Guard were on the scene last night and this morning, working with local officials to begin assessing the damage and determining what resources would be needed to help speed recovery efforts. To view the Executive Order, visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=20346. | |
| Governor Doyle Declares State of Emergency for Clark County 9/23/2010 Governor Jim Doyle today declared a state of emergency in Clark County following strong storms that caused flooding in the area. Earlier today Governor Doyle declared a State of Emergency for Trempealeau County, which saw flooding from the same storms. The flooding forced the evacuation of downtown Arcadia in Trempealeau County, washed out roads and bridges, downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. “Strong storms and heavy rains caused serious flooding in Clark and Trempealeau Counties last night,” Governor Doyle said. “Based on the damage that has been reported today, I am declaring a State of Emergency in Clark County. State Emergency Management and DNR officials have been on the ground, and are working with the National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. The State will continue to do everything we can to help the people and communities affected by last night’s storms make a quick recovery.”
Wisconsin Emergency Management personnel, as well as DNR staff and the National Guard were on
the scene last night and today, working with local officials to begin assessing the damage and
determining what resources would be needed to help speed recovery efforts. | |
| Disaster resource centers open in Milwaukee and Grant Counties 9/22/2010 FEMA has opened disaster resource centers (DRC) in Milwaukee and Grant Counties, allowing citizens affected by the July 20th-24th storms to apply in person for available disaster assistance.
The DRCs in Milwaukee are located at:
Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters Association
The DRC for Grant County is located at:
Lancaster Fire Station
The DRCs will be operated jointly by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This week, the center will be open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours for next week will be announced when scheduled. Before visiting a DRC, applicants should apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Speech- and hearing-impaired individuals may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The hotline is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days per week. Click here to view the press release for the Milwaukee County DRCs Click here to view the press release for the Grant County DRC | |
| Federal disaster aid programs available for Milwaukee and Grant counties 9/21/2010 Federal disaster aid programs can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s Individual Assistance declaration for Milwaukee and Grant counties. Read Full Story | |
| Disaster Unemployment Assistance for
Workers Displaced by Severe Storms in Milwaukee, Grant Counties 9/21/2010 Governor Doyle announced today individuals unemployed due to tornadoes and severe storm damage and flooding July 20 - 24, 2010 in Grant and Milwaukee counties can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Read Full Story | |
| Apply Now for FEMA Disaster Assistance 9/21/2010 Residents and business owners in Grant and Milwaukee counties must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) before they can be considered for federal disaster assistance, state and federal officials advised today. Homeowners, renters and business owners in the two Wisconsin counties may be eligible to receive federal aid to help them recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from July 20 through July 24. “Register with FEMA even if you previously registered with local, county, state or voluntary agencies,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Paul J. Ricciuti. “The sooner you register, the sooner we can help you.”
He added that the FEMA application process and inspections are free. | |
| Disaster Assistance Process 9/20/2010 How to apply, what information is required, and how long will it take. Read Full Story | |
| Disaster Assistance Applications 9/20/2010 For homeowners, renters and business owners in Milwaukee and Grant counties who were affected by flooding July 20-24, 2010 Read Full Story | |
| FEMA Multi-language support available 9/20/2010 FEMA has operators available to take your application in almost any language. Since the inception of the FEMA language line, translators have handled FEMA registration calls in 176 languages. Read Full Story | |
| SBA Stands Ready to Assist Wisconsin Residents
Affected by Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding 9/20/2010 U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen G. Mills issued the following statement after the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration in Wisconsin for Grant and Milwaukee counties, which were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on July 20 - 24, 2010:
“The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the people of Wisconsin
with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and
businesses with federal disaster loans. Getting businesses and communities up and running after a
disaster is our highest priority at SBA.” | |
| SBA Fact Sheet For Disaster Loans 9/20/2010 For the Counties of Grant and Milwaukee; and for Economic Injury Only the contiguous counties of Crawford, Iowa, Lafayette, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Washington and Waukesha in the State of Wisconsin; contiguous counties of Clayton and Dubuque in the State of Iowa; and contiguous Jo Daviess County in the State of Illinois. Read Full Story | |
| President Declares Individual Assistance for Grant and Milwaukee Counties 9/20/2010 In response to a request from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, President Obama has issued an Individual Assistance declaration for Grant and Milwaukee counties, enabling federal disaster aid for homes and businesses damaged in severe storms, tornadoes and flooding July 20-24. Assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Residents and business owners in the two counties eligible for Individual Assistance may register
online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA’s hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA/3362.
(TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired) The hotline is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
local time, seven days per week. | |
| How To Apply For Disaster Assistance 9/20/2010 Instructions on applying for disaster assistance from FEMA Read Full Story | |
| Governor Doyle Announces Flood Aid for Individuals in Milwaukee and Grant Counties 9/18/2010 Also Announces FEMA Will Provide Aid to Local Governments in Calumet County Governor Jim Doyle today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making available federal disaster assistance for people affected by July’s flooding in Milwaukee and Grant counties. Individuals in these counties affected by the flooding from July 20-24 may apply for federal grants through FEMA. Governor Doyle appealed an earlier decision that had denied FEMA assistance to individuals and businesses. Individuals in Grant and Milwaukee Counties who suffered financial loss as a result of the flood are now eligible to apply for federal grants through FEMA. Federal low interest loan programs are now also available to both individuals and businesses for costs associated with rebuilding and repairs. Those living in the declared counties can apply for individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.fema.gov. | |
| SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Wisconsin Residents
Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding 9/14/2010 Residents and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding on Aug. 10-14 in Saint Croix County, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills announced today. Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle on Sept. 8, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Saint Croix County and the adjacent counties of Barron, Dunn, Pierce and Polk in Wisconsin and the County of Washington in Minnesota.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 12, 2010. The
deadline to return economic injury applications is June 13, 2011. | |
| Public assistance applicant briefing set for Calumet County officials 9/13/2010 An application briefing for public assistance for Calumet County is scheduled to be held Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Calumet County Court House, 206 Court St., Room 017 (basement level), Chilton, Wis. 53014-1127.
Specialists from Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will explain how Calumet County government and certain private non-profit officials can apply for public assistance. | |
| Applicant briefings provide information on public assistance funding 8/30/2010 Representatives from Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) held applicant briefings in Franklin on August 26 and Lancaster on August 27 to assist local governments from Milwaukee and Grant Counties in the process of applying for public assistance (PA) funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damages incurred in storms over July 22-24. Both briefings had large turnouts from local governments. David LaWall from WEM provided information on the application process for PA funds. For public assistance funding, FEMA reimburses 75% and the State of Wisconsin contributes 12.5% toward eligible reimbursable costs to help local governments pay for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs of infrastructure.
WEM’s Roxanne Gray spoke to both groups about the process of applying for hazard mitigation funding. FEMA representatives were also available to answer any questions from attendees. | |
| ReadyWisconsin website relaunch and an exciting addition to the team 8/23/2010 The search for emergency preparedness information just got a little bit easier...the ReadyWisconsin website was relaunched last week with a facelift! The revised homepage now features a rolling slideshow of clickable content, much of which is related to our plans for September Preparedness Month. We have also launched a calendar on the site that features dates of ReadyWisconsin media appearances and events where ReadyWisconsin material will be available (hint: if you are in the calendar’s monthly view and wish to view a particular day’s events, just click on the number of that day in the calendar). You will also notice our new Twitter widget on the left side of the ReadyWisconsin homepage. This will display the latest ReadyWisconsin tweets in real-time, just like the feed WEM provides on its homepage. We have also added a new page that provides information on the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program, a new course developed by FEMA to teach fifth-grade students about emergency preparedness. Head over to ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov and take a look around! Finally, we are pleased to welcome Tod Pritchard to the team as the Preparedness Coordinator for ReadyWisconsin. Tod brings a long background in news production to the position, so he knows what makes a great story and how to engage the public. He will be on the road for much of September, meeting with the media and providing presentations on emergency preparedness at a variety of events. Tod Pritchard can be reached at tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov or 608-242-3324. | |
| FEMA Denies Federal Disaster Aid For Individual Assistance 8/17/2010 The Federal Emergency Management Agency has given an official notice tonight that three Wisconsin counties – Milwaukee, Grant and Waukesha – are deemed not eligible for the federal Individual Assistance Program, which would have helped disaster victims recover from last month’s flooding. The notification from FEMA's Assistant Administrator of the Recovery Directorate, Elizabeth Zimmerman, cited the findings of the Individual Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessment. The assessment was conducted following the flooding event. Governor Doyle submitted the request for federal disaster assistance on July 31. Last week, the state was notified that aid for local government was approved. The Presidential Declaration for Public Assistance will help local governments in Grant and Milwaukee Counties recover some of their costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructures.
Governor Doyle Statement Regarding Federal Decision on Flood AssistanceGovernor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision that Milwaukee, Grant and Waukesha Counties are not eligible for federal individual assistance. “I am deeply disappointed by FEMA’s decision to deny federal individual assistance following last month’s floods. I will appeal the federal decision so we can continue helping people rebuild from July’s severe storms and flooding.” Governor Doyle formally requested a federal disaster declaration seeking federal assistance for individuals, families and businesses as well as local governments for the three southern Wisconsin counties hit hard by storms and flooding, following the completion of FEMA's assessment work which was required before a declaration could be sought.
Earlier this month, FEMA made a major disaster declaration for Grant and Milwaukee counties, making assistance available to local units of government affected by floods. The assistance will help communities recover some of the costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructure. | |
| Governor Doyle requests federal assistance for Grant, Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties 8/2/2010 Governor Jim Doyle this evening formally requested a federal disaster declaration for three southern Wisconsin counties hit hard by recent storms and flooding, following the completion of FEMA's assessment work which is required before a declaration can be sought. The request is for federal assistance for individuals, families and businesses suffering from last week’s severe weather in Grant, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. In the request, the Governor is also requesting public assistance for local governments in Grant and Milwaukee counties to help recover some of their costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructure. | |
| Federal officials in Wisconsin to assess flood damage 7/28/2010 Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are conducting joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) with Wisconsin Emergency Management and other state and local officials in Milwaukee and Grant counties this week, as a first step in the federal disaster declaration process. The PDAs are being conducted at the request of Governor Jim Doyle. The teams will review flood damages to determine the impacts of the disaster and identify types and extent of disaster assistance required. Read Full Story | |
| Insurance Commissioner Offers Advice for Storm Victims 7/27/2010 For the second straight month storm systems moving through southern Wisconsin dumped record amounts of rainfall and caused flash flooding. Governor Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency for Milwaukee County which received over seven inches of rain. Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg reminds consumers with property insurance claims to get in touch with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
"It's important to get your claim reported and make sure you have your damages documented
as soon as possible after they occur," said Dilweg. "Insurers in Wisconsin are well prepared for
these situations." | |
| Public phone numbers for Milwaukee County flooding 7/26/2010 Several state and federal agencies are receiving calls from flood victims for assistance. At this time there has not been a federal disaster declaration. Flood victims in Milwaukee County need to contact the local phone numbers below: City of Milwaukee
All Other Milwaukee Municipalities
| |
| Governor Jim Doyle tours Milwaukee flood damage 7/26/2010 Governor Jim Doyle visited Milwaukee on Saturday, July 24 to view flooding damages caused by the severe storms on Thursday, July 22. With reports of as much as seven and a half inches of rain falling in some areas over a two-hour period, the damage both to homes and public structures was extensive.
The Governor was accompanied on his tour by officials from Wisconsin Emergency Management, including Brigadier General Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, and WEM Administrator Mike Hinman. | |
| Comprehensive flood safety and clean-up information 7/24/2010 For comprehensive flood safety and clean-up information, we recommend the following resources: Safety http://www.milwaukee.gov/FloodCleanup Mold http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/flooding.htm#Future http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf General Disaster Health and Safety Tips (Which includes Links to FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency Management, and National Weather Service): http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Disasterhealthsafety/index.htm Recovering from the Emotional Aftermath of a Disaster http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/mh_bcmh/Disaster.htm Local Public Health Department listing: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/localhealth/index.htm
Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Power Outage
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp | |
| Flood information 7/23/2010 See ReadyWisconsin for important flood safety information.
For current road conditions, dial 511, or visit http://www.511wi.gov | |
| Strong storms can pose risks to your pocketbook 7/23/2010 The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds storm and flooding victims to be careful who they hire to do any needed repairs. “In an emergency situation, consumers needing home repairs are more vulnerable to scams,” said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “We call such scam-artists Storm Chasers.” Contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection if you have questions about contractors – we can tell you if we have received complaints. Find us on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-422-7128. | |
| Governor Doyle declares a state of emergency for Milwaukee County 7/23/2010 Governor Jim Doyle today declared a state of emergency in Milwaukee County following severe storms and flash flooding throughout the county. The storms forced people from their homes, damaged many roadways and other structures, and caused extensive power outages. "I am declaring a state of emergency for Milwaukee County," Governor Doyle said. "Yesterday, Milwaukee saw what may be record rainfall. Mayor Barrett called to update me on the damage this morning and I assured him that the state will do everything we can to help people in Milwaukee." The state of emergency directs state agencies to assist local governments in recovering from this natural disaster. Wisconsin Emergency Management is working with local officials to begin assessing the damage and determining what resources would be needed to help speed response and recovery efforts. Local and state officials are continuing to work to get an accurate assessment of the damage and the resources needed to help speed recovery efforts.
To view the Executive Order, visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=19970 | |
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