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| FEMA encourages people to get active regarding emergency management and rescue plans |
FEMA provides funds to reimburse local, state and non-profit organizations for eligible emergency protective measures and debris removal activities taken and related to the disaster, and permanent restoration work.
On July 1, 2010, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials and Puerto Rico Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) staff held the Applicants' Briefing meeting for eligible municipal and state agencies and private non-profit organizations included in the federal disaster declaration made by President Obama on June 24, 2010. The municipalities included on the declaration are: Arecibo, Barranquitas, Coamo, Corozal, Dorado, Naranjito, Orocovis, Utuado, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja.
"We are reaching local governments of the affected communities to make sure they know how to apply for this assistance," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Justo Hernández. "We are also asking local officials what they need from us, to facilitate a prompt recovery."
In the Applicants' Briefing meeting, FEMA provided detailed information of the Public (Infrastructure) Assistance grant program procedures. Through the PA program, FEMA provides funds to reimburse local, state and non-profit organizations for eligible emergency protective measures and debris removal activities taken and related to the disaster, and permanent restoration work. FEMA will reimburse up to 75 percent of the costs.
On July 2, 2010, FEMA and GAR staff initiated the Kick-off Meetings for applicants eligible under the PA program in the municipalities of Barranquitas, Naranjito, Orocovis and Vega Baja. By July7, all Kick-off meetings for the remaining declared municipalities and applicants will be completed. The Kick-off Meeting provides an in depth review of the program and how it applies to local and state governments.
While governments prepare for disasters, FEMA encourages individuals, families and businesses to be proactive and get ready for any hazards in their communities; have an emergency kit and plan, and get flood insurance if they are located in a flood prone area, etc. Additional emergency preparedness information is available here.
