Volunteers Make A Difference

The usual images from the first days of a disaster are dramatic and memorable: scores of people with chainsaws cutting tree limbs from houses or roads; or operating boats to snatch frightened people from trees or housetops; or helping feed hundreds of hungry storm survivors inside a huge dining tent. Read more

USCIS Houston Office Re-Open for Customer Emergencies on Monday

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that two of its offices in the Houston area will reopen Monday, September 29, after having closed for business due to Hurricane Ike. Read more

Programas De Asistencia Federal Para La Recuperación Por Desastre De Alabama

A continuación un resumen de los programas federales de asistencia por desastre que pueden estar disponibles según la necesidad y autorización bajo la declaración por desastre mayor del Presidente Bush para el estado de Alabama. Leer más

Federal Aid Programs For Alabama Disaster Recovery

A summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Alabama. Read more

El Presidente Declara Un Desastre Mayor En Alabama

El administrador de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos anunció hoy que asistencia federal por desastre está disponible para Alabama para complementar los esfuerzos de recuperación estatales y locales en el área impactada por las inundaciones y tormentas severas asociadas con el Huracan Ike que ocurrieron durante el periodo comprendido del 12 al 14 de septiembre de 2008. Leer más

President Declares Major Disaster For Alabama

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Hurricane Ike during the period of September 12-14, 2008. Read more

Another Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Harris County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Harris County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike, bringing the total of centers in this county to six. Read more

Another Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Chambers County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Chambers County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Jasper County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Jasper County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

SBA Disaster Loans: Available To Texas Homeowners, Renters, Business Owners And Nonprofit Organizations

Federal grants are only one form of disaster assistance available to Texas residents recovering from Hurricane Ike. In fact, the bulk of disaster repair and replacement funds come from loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Read more

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Munster, Lake Station and Gary for residents with property damages from recent severe storms and flooding. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Galveston County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Galveston County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Chambers County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Chambers County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Newton County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Newton County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Fifth Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Harris County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Harris County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Ineligibility Letter May Not Be Last Word On Disaster Assistance

A letter stating a person is ineligible for disaster assistance may not be the final word on an application with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read more

Mandeville Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Michael Ricks, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Louisiana office, announced today that the Mandeville Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located at the Mandeville Public Works Department in Mandeville, will transition to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008. Read more

Mobile Recovery Center Leaves Kennard, Moves to Weches

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennard is on the move after close of business Saturday, Sept. 27. The center will transfer to Weches, opening on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m to 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. thereafter. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Indiana Disaster Recovery

A summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Indiana. Read more

Hud Y Fema Anuncian Un Programa De Asistencia De 18 Meses Para Vivivienda Para Familias Desalojadas Por El Huracán Ike

El Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE.UU. (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy un programa de asistencia para inquilinos que proporcionará pagos de alquiler provisorio y servicios de administración de casos para ayudar a miles de familias que fueron desalojadas por el Huracán Ike. El nuevo plan, programado para comenzar el 1 de noviembre de 2008, ayudará a estas familias a encontrar vivienda inmediata mientras reconstruyen sus vidas. Leer más

HUD, FEMA Announce 18-Month Housing Assistance Program For Families Displaced By Hurricane Ike

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced a rental assistance program that will provide temporary rental payments and case management services to help thousands of families who were displaced by Hurricane Ike. The new program, slated to begin November 1, 2008, will help these families find intermediate housing as they rebuild their lives. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fort Bend County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is opening in Fort Bend County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Jefferson County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Jefferson County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texans - Here's How to Speed Disaster Assistance

State and federal officials who are helping Texans recover from Hurricane Ike have some tips to speed disaster aid. Read more

Insurance Coverage May Not Cover All Losses for Texans

Many Texans, who suffered losses due to Hurricane Ike, are covered by their insurance. Even the best coverage may not cover every need, which is why state, federal and non-profit programs are made available. Read more

USS Nassau Concludes Hurricane Ike Disaster Response Efforts

USS Nassau (LHA 4) is on the way back to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., after a week of supporting local, state and federal civil authorities in Galveston's recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texas Renters May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

Texas renters who suffered damage to their residences from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for disaster assistance. Read more

Four New Counties Eligible For FEMA Individual Disaster Aid, Lee County Added For Public Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Florida announced on Wednesday the expansion of federal aid to more Floridians as a result of Tropical Storm Fay. Read more

Lee County Disaster Recovery Center To Close Saturday

After serving nearly 400 Tropical Storm Fay survivors, the Disaster Recovery Center in Lee County will close this week. Read more

Cracking Down On Disaster Fraud

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the [Missouri] State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are working to identify a small percentage of disaster assistance applicants who have been trying to cash in on the misfortune of others. Read more

One Week Left To Register For Flood Aid In Missouri

Families, individuals and businesses in Missouri that have suffered damage from severe storms and flooding events from June 1 - August 13 have one week to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. Read more

Hotline Available 24/7 For FEMA Assistance

Residents in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties with property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike may call a toll-free helpline operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for assistance. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Montgomery County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Montgomery County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Polk County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Polk County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texas Debris Removal Activities on Schedule

Debris removal is a priority as Texas moves into recovery from Hurricane Ike; a three-phase plan to accomplish this is on schedule. Read more

Texans Should Beware of Fraud During Recovery Efforts

Residents of Texas affected by Hurricane Ike are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts. Read more

One Month Remains To Register For FEMA Assistance

Florida homeowners, renters and businesses in the 19 disaster-declared counties who sustained damage or loss from Tropical Storm Fay have only one month left to apply for disaster assistance, said state and federal officials. Read more

Attention Returning Galveston Residents

The EPA has posted information residents to their homes in Galveston. Read more

Unified Command Continues to Respond to Post-Hurricane Pollution

The Unified Command here continues Tuesday to confirm, assess, prioritize and clean up reports of pollution caused by Hurricane Ike. Read more

UPDATE: Restrictions ease on Hurricane Ike affected Waterways

The Captain of the Port (COTP) for Houston-Galveston has opened the Houston Ship Channel from the Sea Buoy to the Turning Basin for all transits up to project depth, for both night and day transits. Read more

Army Corps of Engineers setting stage for recovery from Hurricane Ike

Residents of hard-hit Galveston Island have the opportunity to return Wednesday, Sept. 24. Although this is the first time many will be able to see their homes and community since Hurricane Ike struck on Sept. 13, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already been there, setting the stage for recovery. Read more

Texans Should Beware of Fraud During Recovery Efforts

Residents of Texas affected by Hurricane Ike are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts. Read more

Coast Guard continues restrictions on Mississippi and Illinois rivers

The Coast Guard captain of the port at Sector Upper Mississippi continues waterway restrictions for the Mississippi and Illinois rivers due to high water levels Monday, Sept., 22, 2008. Read more

Update: Gulf Coast Waterways Openings

The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard continue to reset navigational markers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, allowing merchant ships to operate in near normal conditions. Read more

Unified Command Established for Post-Hurricane Ike Pollution Response

Four federal and state agencies established a unified command here Monday to efficiently coordinate efforts to contain and clean up oil and hazardous materials in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

National Guard Aids Stranded Livestock in Louisiana

National Guard soldiers teamed up with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to airlift food and water to thousands of cattle isolated by the flood waters of Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that four of its offices in the Houston area will remain closed for business until further notice. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Mississippi Disaster Recovery

A summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Mississippi. Read more

President Declares Major Disaster For Mississippi

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Mississippi to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Gustav during the period of August 28 to September 8, 2008. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Waller County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Hempstead to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

The hours of operation at the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennard have changed. Read more

Tax Relief Available For Floridians In Disaster Areas

Floridians in disaster-declared counties affected by Tropical Storm Fay may be eligible for various forms of tax relief that could ease the distress of some losses. Read more

No Loss Of Benefits For Senior Citizens Receiving Disaster Aid

Missouri senior citizens do not have to be concerned that applying for, or receiving, state and federal disaster financial assistance may cause them to sacrifice Social Security benefits, pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs. Read more