FEMA And West Virginia Assess Storm Damage
Teams to begin Preliminary Damage Assessments Saturday
Release Date: June 6, 2008
Release Number: R3-08-063
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) regional office in Philadelphia has been working closely with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) to monitor local damage assessments and needs resulting from the severe storms and flooding this week.
At the conclusion of the state's initial assessment, WVDHSEM requested that FEMA provide federal support to conduct a Joint Federal-State Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) in Barbour, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, and Taylor counties. PDAs determine eligibility for a presidential disaster declaration, which triggers the release of federal disaster funds.
"We have been in constant contact with our state counterparts and are ready to respond immediately," said Jonathan Sarubbi, FEMA Region III Regional Administrator. "A State Liaison Officer is currently working with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to coordinate the upcoming joint assessments."
PDA teams - comprised of representatives from county and local emergency management, the state, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - will work together to gather damage information. The Public Assistance PDA teams will concentrate on assessing damage to public infrastructure, damage to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and debris removal costs related to the disaster. The Individual Assistance PDA teams will evaluate damages to homes and businesses.
The information FEMA collects will be used by the governor to determine if the extent of the damage is beyond the capability of the local and state government to recover from the disaster. The governor would then use this information to support the request for a Presidential declaration and to certify that the damage is beyond the state and local capabilities.
Public Assistance will allow FEMA to help local governments, the state of West Virginia and certain eligible private non-profit organizations recover reasonable and necessary costs to assist in their recovery as well as provide funds to mitigate against the effects of future disasters. Individual Assistance will allow FEMA to provide temporary housing assistance and grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance, as well as low-interest loans for repair or replacement of real and personal property through the SBA.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Region III covers Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jun-2008 14:31:51