Federal Disaster Declaration Would Help People, Businesses

Recover from Tornadoes, Severe Storms

 

SPRINGFIELD - March 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama to declare five Southern Illinois counties major disaster areas to help people and businesses recover from devastating tornadoes and severe storms that struck the area Feb. 29. Counties requested include Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson.

 

"We need federal aid in order to help these communities recover, which is why we worked to document the damage and submit this request for federal assistance," Governor Quinn said. "I ask President Obama to approve this request that will help the people of Southern Illinois recover from this devastating storm."

 

Earlier this week, damage assessment teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and affected communities documented the extent of damage to homes and businesses. That assessment found that 104 homes were destroyed by severe storms and tornadoes; 50 suffered major damage, and 276 others also were seriously damaged.

 

In addition, 10 businesses in Saline County sustained major damage, while 23 others were also affected by the storms.

 

If Governor Quinn's request is approved, residents in the approved counties would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. Affected businesses would be also able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

 

Representatives from IEMA and FEMA will meet with local government officials beginning March 12 to document expenses related to the tornadoes and storms, including emergency protective measures, debris removal, and repair or replacement of roads, bridges and other public facilities. That information could be used to support a request for federal assistance to help state and local governments recoup 75 percent of eligible flood-related expenses.

 

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Funding will help small systems better serve local communities


WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will provide up to $15 million in funding for training and technical assistance to small drinking and wastewater systems, defined as systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people, and private well owners. The funding will help provide water system staff with training and tools to enhance system operations and management practices, and supports EPA's continuing efforts to protect public health, restore watersheds and promote sustainability in small communities.

 

Most of the funding, up to $14.5 million, will provide training and technical assistance to small public water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and to small publicly-owned wastewater systems, communities served by on-site systems, and private well owners to improve water quality.

 

More than 97 percent of the nation's 157,000 public water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people, and more than 80 percent of these systems serve fewer than 500 people. Many small systems face unique challenges in providing reliable drinking water and wastewater services that meet federal and state regulations. These challenges can include a lack of financial resources, aging infrastructure, management limitations and high staff turnover.

 

EPA expects to make available up to $500,000 to provide training and technical assistance to tribally-owned and operated public water systems.

 

Applications must be received by EPA by April 9, 2012. EPA expects to award these cooperative agreements by Summer 2012. For more information about these competitive announcements, visit:

http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/sdwa/smallsystemsrfa.cfm

 

For more information on EPA's programs and tools to help small water systems, visit:

http://water.epa.gov/type/drink/pws/smallsystems/index.cfm

Documentation Will Support Request for Federal Assistance

 

SPRINGFIELD - March 1, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with damage assessments in several Southern Illinois counties devastated by tornadoes and severe storms early Wednesday morning. The assessments, which will begin on Monday, will provide the documentation necessary to support a request for federal assistance.

 

"I've seen the destruction firsthand and it is critical that we get needed resources to our impacted communities right away," Governor Quinn said. "We must do everything possible to expedite this process and jumpstart our recovery in Southern Illinois."

 

Personnel from FEMA, IEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local emergency management agencies will begin assessing damage to homes and businesses on Monday. The assessments, which are expected to be completed by the end of the week, will be conducted in Gallatin, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties.

 

"We'll work closely with FEMA to complete the damage assessments as quickly as possible," said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).  Monken said IEMA will have staff in the area over the weekend to meet with local officials in preparation for the damage assessments.

 

Immediately after surveying the damage and meeting with residents, local officials and first-responders in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Governor Quinn issued a state disaster proclamation for the southern third of Illinois. The declaration ensures that state resources and personnel are available to assist with response and recovery efforts.  A state disaster declaration is also needed in order to request federal assistance.

 

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield remains activated to coordinate state assistance to the affected areas. Representatives from several state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Central Management Services, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Emergency Management Agency, are stationed at the SEOC to manage requests for assets, personnel and resources from their departments.

 

Friday's weather forecast for Southern Illinois calls for the potential for more severe storms, and the state is encouraging people to take steps now to prepare. In addition to an emergency preparedness kit stocked with bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit, Monken said a NOAA weather alert radio is a critical preparedness tool. The radios receive watches and warnings 24 hours a day and can alert people to approaching danger in time for them to get to a safe place.

 

More information about weather alert radios and severe weather preparedness is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Governor Declares Disaster After Touring Damage and

Meeting with First Responders

 

HARRISBURG - February 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a state disaster proclamation following a tour of damaged areas in Harrisburg after a tornado devastated parts of southern Illinois Wednesday morning. State resources including the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources were also deployed on the ground to respond to the damage.

 

"My heart goes out to the victims of this devastating storm, and I would like to thank the many people who have stepped up and volunteered to aid their neighbors," Governor Quinn said. "I have met with local community leaders and first responders, and they know the state of Illinois is here to help as they recover from this disaster."

 

The disaster declaration issued by Governor Quinn today covers the southern-third of Illinois and will ensure that state resources and personnel are available to assist with response and recovery efforts.

 

"My thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors in and around Harrisburg today as we learn of the devastation that hit the region early this morning," Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said. "I will continue to work diligently to coordinate state and local disaster relief efforts and bring aid and support to this community."

 

Simon said the Red Cross Little Egypt Network is coordinating volunteer efforts and accepting monetary donations to aid in disaster relief efforts. The Little Egypt chapter can be contacted at (618) 529-1698, and donations can be sent to the chapter office at 665 North Airport Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966.

 

Shortly after the storm this morning, Governor Quinn directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield. IEMA personnel and several other state agencies are coordinating at the SEOC and continue to assess the impact of the storms.

 

"The focus of the state right now is to coordinate with local emergency response officials in the affected areas to determine what state resources are needed for response and recovery from the storms," said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken.

 

IEMA regional personnel were deployed to Harrisburg soon after the storms and representatives from the Illinois State Police, departments of Transportation, Central Management Services, Corrections, Public Health and Natural Resources, along with the American Red Cross, reported to the SEOC soon thereafter. The SEOC will remain activated as long as necessary.

 

State resources on the ground in the affected storm areas include :

 

  • Illinois Department of Transportation(IDOT) - helicopter to assist with damage assessment

o   35 IDOT employees and equipment in Harrisburg assisting with access control

o   60-90 additional IDOT employees on stand-by

  • Illinois State Police - 20 troopers assisting with security and access control
  • Department of Natural Resources - five Conservation Police Officers assisting with search and rescue/security

 

March 1 marks the beginning of Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois.  IEMA has a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide on the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) that provides information on how to stay safe when severe storms and tornadoes approach.

 

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The Arbor Day Foundation is making it easier for everyone to celebrate the arrival of spring through planting trees.

Join the Arbor Day Foundation in March 2012 and receive 10 free white flowering dogwood trees.

"White flowering dogwoods will add year-round beauty to your home and neighborhood," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Dogwoods have showy spring flowers, scarlet autumn foliage and red berries that will attract songbirds all winter."

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation's Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

Arbor Day Foundation members also receive a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation's bimonthly publication, and The Tree Book, which contains information about tree planting and care.

To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE DOGWOOD TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by March 30, 2012. Or join online at arborday.org/March.

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Tampa, Fla. (February 24, 2012) - A report on extreme weather events in the United States demonstrates the importance of disaster preparedness, said the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

"In the Path of the Storm," by Environment America provided several key findings:

  • Since 2006, federally declared weather-related disasters in the United States have affected counties housing 242 million people - or roughly four out of five Americans.
  • Since 2006, weather-related disasters have been declared in every U.S. state other than South Carolina.
  • During this period, weather-related disasters affected every county in 18 states and the District of Columbia. (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Vermont.)
  • More than 15 million Americans live in counties that have averaged one or more weather-related disasters per year since the beginning of 2006. Ten U.S. counties - six in Oklahoma, two in Nebraska, and one each in Missouri and South Dakota - have each experienced 10 or more declared weather-related disasters since 2006.
  • More Americans were affected by weather-related disasters during 2011 than in any year since 2004. The number of disasters inflicting more than $1 billion in damage (at least 14) set an all-time record, with total damages from those disasters of at least $55 billion.

"These compelling statistics reveal that it is not a matter of if - but when - someone will be affected by a weather-related disaster," said Julie Rochman, president & CEO of IBHS. "We cannot avoid Mother Nature but we can better prepare our homes and businesses to reduce the amount of damage she can cause."

IBHS' website, DisasterSafety.org, offers guidance on ways home and business owners can protect their property from specific weather-related events. The site provides a free ZIP Code-based tool where a property owner enters their ZIP Code and receives a list of natural hazards common to their area.

or via direct message on Twitter @jsalking.

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About the IBHS

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

On Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a bluebird house workshop. Join Aaron Askelson to learn about bluebirds and build a bluebird house.  Participants will also learn about the correct placement and maintenance of the boxes.  Kits will be available for $5.00 each.  Please call (563) 328-3286 by Thursday, March 1 to register, and state the number of kits you would like to reserve.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

 

Maple-Syruping Demonstration Planned

On Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a maple-syruping demonstration. Join Tom Greene as he discusses the history and procedure of tapping trees for syrup.  Handouts and where to find tapping equipment will be provided to participants.  Please call (563) 328-3286, if you are interested in attending.

 

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

Art Program Planned

On Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a natural charcoal art program. Have you ever wanted to make your own drawing charcoal?  Well, now you can!  Join Aaron Askelson to learn how to create our own charcoal and put it to the test by drawing your own winter outdoor scene.  Please bring paper and BYOM - Bring Your Own Mug.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register.

 

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

 

 

Maple-Syruping Demonstration Planned

On Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a maple-syruping demonstration. Join Tom Greene as he discusses the history and procedure of tapping trees for syrup.  Handouts and where to find tapping equipment will be provided to participants.  Please call (563) 328-3286, if you are interested in attending.

 

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

Tampa, Fla. (February 3, 2012) - With the prediction of six more weeks of winter by Punxsutawney Phil, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) provides guidance on how to protect your home or business against roof collapse and other winter weather-related hazards.

During both 2010 and 2011, the U.S. received near record amounts of snowfall, including 2011's Groundhog Day Blizzard, which caused $1.1 billion in insured losses and more than $2 billion in total losses, according to the National Climatic Data Center.

"Winter weather damage can be particularly disruptive and extremely damaging," said Julie Rochman, president & CEO of IBHS, "and it occurs at a time when it is difficult and uncomfortable to fix the problems.

"We thank Punxsutawney Phil for his role in reminding people that winter isn't over yet, so there is still time to protect your property from damage caused by freezing weather," she added.

Ice Dams

An ice dam is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, usually at the gutter. When interior heat melts the snow on the roof, the water will run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where temperatures are much cooler. The ice builds up and blocks water from draining off of the roof, forcing the water under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls of the house. Take the following steps to decrease the likelihood that ice dams will form:

  • Keep the attic well-ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof.
  • Keep the attic floor well-insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
  • As an extra precaution against roof leaks in case ice dams do form, when re-roofing install an ice and water barrier under your roof covering that extends from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.

Frozen  Pipes

Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe, which leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather. Frozen pipes can also occur when pipes are near openings in the outside wall of a building, including where television, cable or telephone lines enter the structure. To keep water in pipes from freezing, take the following steps:

  • Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
  • Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
  • Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
  • Keep a slow drip of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.
  • Drain the water system, especially if your building will be unattended during cold periods.

Is Your Roof Strong Enough?

Building age is a major factor in how much snow a roof can handle.  Newer building codes provide much better guidance for estimating snow loads, particularly the increased loads near changes in roof elevations where snow drifts and snow falling from an upper roof can build up on the lower roof near the step. For flat roofs, the step-down area between roof sections is particularly susceptible to snow overload because of the tendency for ice and snow collection, especially during periods of windy weather.

Older roofs can suffer from corrosion of members and connections which can reduce its ability to resist high snow loads. Buildings with lightweight roofs, such as metal buildings or built- up roofs on bar joists generally provide less protection from overload than heavy roofs.

Roof top equipment and roof projections, such as mechanical equipment that is over 2 feet tall, causes snow accumulation due to drift, creating the need for higher snow load consideration in these areas. A serious condition can be created when a taller building or a taller addition is built adjacent to shorter, existing building. Unless the shorter building is strengthened in the area next to the taller building or addition, snow accumulation on the lower roof near the step could produce much higher loads than those considered by the original designer for the existing building.

The best source for determining how much snow load a building can handle is the original design plan. Most roof designs can support at least 20 pounds per square foot. However, design loads can range from 10 pounds to 20 pounds per square foot in Mid-Atlantic states, and between 40 pounds and 70 pounds per square foot in New England.

Guidelines to Estimate Snow Weight

  • 10 inches to 12 inches of fresh/new snow equals about 5 pounds per square foot of roof space.
  • 3 inches to 5 inches of old/packed snow equals about 5 pounds per square foot of roof space.
  • Ice is much heavier, with 1 inch equaling about 1 foot of fresh snow.

Snow and Ice Removal from Roofs

IBHS recommends that property owners not attempt to climb on their roof to remove snow. A safer alternative is to use a snow rake while standing at ground level.

Visit the IBHS Severe Winter Weather page on DisasterSafety.org to learn more about how to protect your home or business against winter weather-related hazards.

To arrange an interview with IBHS, contact Joseph King at 813-675-1045/813-442-2845, jking@ibhs.org or via direct message on Twitter @jsalking.

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About IBHS

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

On Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a winter fun day.  This is an event the whole family can enjoy, so plan to come out and discover winter at its best!  A limited number of skis and snowshoes are available, so please call to reserve equipment; (563) 328-3286BYOM ~ Bring your own mug.

9:30 A.M. ~ Cross-country Ski Clinic ~ Come learn the basics of cross-country skiing and tour the Wapsi Center trails; if conditions allow.  Participants will learn about proper skiing techniques, safety and equipment.  Participants may bring their own equipment.

12:30 P.M. ~ Snowshoe Nature Hike ~ Join Michael Granger on this excursion into the Wapsi River Center's woodlands.  We will be traveling the way of the Native Americans and early pioneers, looking for signs of life in the still, winter woods.

2:00 P.M. ~ Winter Bird Feeding ~ Come learn how to identify winter birds; plus how to attract and feed our feathered friends.  Fun for all ages!

3:00 P.M. ~ Fabulous Furs ~ Join a Wapsi naturalist to explore mammals that live in our area.  Learn how they adapt and thrive during the cold winter months.  Explore the history of fur trapping, trading and how the animals were used.

4:30 P.M. ~ 5th Annual Chili Cook-off ~ The Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc. will be hosting this annual competition.  Please bring your best chili creation to share, and possibly win the coveted chili cup!!!  Donations are accepted, and please bring your own table setting.

5:30 P.M. ~ Frostbite Star Party ~ Winter is a great time for astronomy.  The sky is never clearer than on cold, winter nights.  The winter constellations center on Orion, the Great Hunter.  In the sword hanging from Orion's Belt, one can find the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most spectacular objects to be seen through a telescope.  The St. Ambrose University's Menke Astronomical Observatory is the location; park in lot A.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

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