FEMA Individual Assistance deadline just six days away

Time is running out for Minnesotans who need help recovering from flood damages last September. The last day to apply for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Monday, Jan. 30. To date, more than 1,200 individuals have registered with FEMA, totaling more than $2.1 million dollars in approved federal aid. Remember, flood damages may not be seen in the early months after the September rain storm. Damages may not present themselves until the spring thaw. That is why it is important that individuals register with FEMA now. To apply, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit the disasterassistance.gov.  

As the registration period winds down. The Freeborn County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will transition operations to the Waseca County DRC on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

New State Emergency Operations Center Proposal

​When a major disaster strikes in Minnesota, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) helps coordinate the response to assist Minnesota’s local communities on their worst of days. The current SEOC in St. Paul is lacking space, an ideal location and the latest technology, which could put the state’s response capabilities at risk.

That’s why Governor Mark Dayton is again, proposing a $33.3 million dollars for a new facility to house the SEOC as part of his Job’s Bill. The SEOC is where Homeland Security and Emergency Management staff, along with other state agencies, coordinate during disasters and emergencies.

Go behind-the-scenes of an exercise at the SEOC in our Mic’d Up video series.

Oil train derailment training center proposed in Job's Bill

​Twenty different railroads currently utilize Minnesota’s 4,400 miles of rail routes and more than one trillion tons of freight is moving through the state on an annual basis. Goods like grains, cargo, hazardous materials and oil are commonplace on our rail lines. That’s why it’s important that first responders are prepared for all types of rail emergencies including derailments. To ensure that Minnesota’s first responders are ready to respond, Governor Dayton is proposing $3 million for a new oil train derailment and pipeline safety training center at Camp Ripley. The proposal is part of the Governor’s Job’s Bill.

Check out a March 2016 oil training exercise at Camp Ripley.

 

Have a neighbor who suffered flooding damage in September? Tell them about FEMA Disaster Assistance

Still feeling the impact of the flooding that occurred in late September? So are more than 600 families who have already registered for FEMA aid. If you had to replace a damaged furnace or water heater or have previously soaked walls that are starting to crack as the temperature drops, now is the time to apply. Have you noticed neighbor who is struggling to get back on their feet? Help is available for fatigued families who are still recovering. If you have already applied, be sure to tell your neighbors.

Here is the simple process:

• Register with FEMA online or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
• Ask questions and get answers at a Disaster Recovery Center.
• An inspector will visit your home to look at the damage.
• Approved applicants receive a FEMA grant (remember, this money does not need to be repaid).