Explore

September highlights disaster preparedness tips

September highlights disaster preparedness tips

September is National Preparedness Month, emphasizing the importance of creating a disaster readiness plan for households, pets, and livestock. The initiative encourages families to prepare for emergencies by discussing evacuation routes, communication plans, and supply kits tailored to specific needs. Key recommendations include leveraging technology, such as the FEMA app, for alerts and preparedness tips, and ensuring vital documents are backed up digitally. Special attention is given to pet and livestock safety, with advice on evacuation logistics, identification, and shelter options. The campaign aims to reduce panic during crises by promoting organized action and readiness.

Senator Welch Announces Over $12 Million in New FEMA Funding for Vermont Flood Repairs

Senator Welch Announces Over $12 Million in New FEMA Funding for Vermont Flood Repairs

U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide more than $12 million in new federal funding to Vermont. This funding is designated for infrastructure repairs following the severe floods that occurred in 2023 and 2024. The allocated funds will support various repair and replacement projects in several towns, including Roxbury, Hinesburg, Fayston, Brookfield, and Plainfield. A significant portion of this funding, specifically $10,862,226, will go towards the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s efforts to repair the Green Mountain Railroad. Other allocations include $424,944 for Roxbury for road base, surface, and embankment repairs from the 2023 floods; $347,698 for Hinesburg for bridge repair after the 2024 floods; $336,389 for Fayston for road surface and culvert repair from the 2024 floods; $298,616 for Brookfield to replace a culvert from the 2023 floods; and $171,359 for Plainfield for surface repair or replacement following the 2024 floods...

Connecticut Activates CrisisTrack for Flood Damage Reporting Following September 13 Storms in Norwalk

Connecticut Activates CrisisTrack for Flood Damage Reporting Following September 13 Storms in Norwalk

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DESPP/DEMHS), has activated CrisisTrack. This system is now collecting damage reports from residents in Norwalk who were affected by the September 13 flooding event. Residents whose homes or properties experienced flood-related damage, or who have unmet needs due to the storm, are urged to complete the CrisisTrack damage reporting survey. The information gathered through this survey is critical for state and local emergency management officials to assess and document the extent of the damage. This data will help the State of Connecticut determine if the impacts of the flooding qualify for post-disaster programs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and/or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). While submitting a report does not guarantee financial assistance, it ensures that the impacts on Norwalk residents and properties are officially documented as part of t...

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Forget a bunker. These residents are redefining what 'prepping' means

Forget a bunker. These residents are redefining what 'prepping' means

Ready Rochester's upcoming workshop focuses on community preparedness, not doomsday scenarios, organizers say.

Understanding FEMA Disaster Recovery Funding

Understanding FEMA Disaster Recovery Funding

Learn how FEMA allocates disaster recovery funds to support communities after major events. Discover the types of projects these funds cover and their importance in rebuilding infrastructure.

Idaho sees 5,614 severe weather events in 12 months

Idaho sees 5,614 severe weather events in 12 months

Idaho has experienced a significant number of severe weather events over the past 12 months, according to StormAuditor's consolidated public record. A total of 5,614 storm events were recorded across all 44 counties in the state. These included 5,186 wind events, 506 hail events, 2 tornado events, and 72 flood events. The data is derived from National Weather Service warnings, Local Storm Reports, official NCEI storm records, and FEMA disaster declarations, and has been deduplicated to ensure accuracy. Major storm days included December 17, 2025, with 652 recorded events, and March 14, 2026, with 497 events. Counties such as Butte, Bingham, and Bonneville were among the most impacted, with hundreds of severe events recorded. The data was last refreshed on September 15, 2026, and provides a detailed look at Idaho's storm activity over the past year.

Hoquiam secures $35M for flood protection project

Hoquiam secures $35M for flood protection project

The city of Hoquiam, Washington, has been awarded nearly $35 million in funding from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to construct a 4.7-mile flood protection system. This project, which includes levees, floodwalls, raised roadways, and upgraded pump stations, aims to protect over 5,000 properties and thousands of residents from recurring floods. The funding follows a legal victory by Washington's Attorney General's Office, which successfully challenged FEMA's earlier decision to terminate the BRIC program. The project is part of a broader regional effort to mitigate flood risks in Hoquiam and neighboring Aberdeen, areas that have experienced 22 federally declared disasters since 1964. Additional state grants of $5.8 million will also support the North Shore Levee West project.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Emphasizes Preparedness for Natural Disasters

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Emphasizes Preparedness for Natural Disasters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, is highlighting the importance of preparedness for natural disasters, aligning with National Preparedness Month in September. The district emphasizes that readiness extends beyond physical barriers, focusing on community involvement, mutual aid plans, coordinated training, and exercise scenarios. This approach aims to address vulnerabilities before emergencies occur. The Buffalo District operates in a region prone to rapidly changing and extreme weather, including flash flooding, lake-effect snowstorms, strong winds, and prolonged power outages. The Corps conducts preparedness activities, trains key staff, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure a quick and effective response to various hazards. When requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Corps can provide capabilities such as emergency power, infrastructure assessments, debris management, temporary roofing, and housing support.

Hurricane Shelter-in-Place Guide: Essential Preparation Tips

Hurricane Shelter-in-Place Guide: Essential Preparation Tips

As hurricane season intensifies, residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential shelter-in-place scenarios. According to Hurricane Bugout (Source time: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT), staying home during a hurricane requires thorough preparation to ensure safety and survival. Key steps include securing windows with shutters, bringing outdoor items indoors, and reinforcing garage doors. Residents should also stock up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and medications, and ensure vehicles are fueled or charged. Monitoring official alerts and having a contingency plan for evacuation are critical components of a comprehensive hurricane preparedness strategy.

Pennsylvania levees face aging risks amid severe weather

Pennsylvania levees face aging risks amid severe weather

Pennsylvania's levee infrastructure, spanning over 155 miles (255 kilometers) and protecting 158,000 residents and $26.2 billion in property, is under increasing strain due to aging systems and more frequent severe weather events. Most of these levees, built between 1950 and 1970, have exceeded their 50-year design life and were constructed using outdated engineering standards. The state has experienced a 60% increase in heavy rainfall events since 1958, according to the Fifth National Climate Assessment. With only 15% of the state's levees accredited by FEMA, many communities face higher flood insurance premiums and development restrictions. Funding for maintenance and upgrades remains scarce, further complicating efforts to ensure the safety of these critical structures.

California Highlights Emergency Preparedness During Preparedness Month

California Highlights Emergency Preparedness During Preparedness Month

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared September as Preparedness Month, emphasizing the state's leadership in emergency readiness (Cal OES, 2026). The state has made significant investments in disaster preparedness, including wildfire detection satellites, AI-powered camera networks, and expanded firefighting resources. California has also launched initiatives like Earthquake Warning California and CalHeatScore to address earthquake and extreme heat risks. The state has pre-positioned resources for potential winter storms and floods, while also focusing on wildfire prevention through campaigns like 'One Less Spark.'

Floods: The most common and costly U.S. disaster

Floods: The most common and costly U.S. disaster

Flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage annually. According to FEMA, floods caused over $8 billion in damages in 2024 alone, with nearly half of the losses occurring outside designated high-risk zones. Floodwater is often more dangerous than it appears, with just six inches capable of knocking an adult off their feet and one foot able to carry away a car. Flash floods, in particular, can develop rapidly, turning dry streets into torrents within minutes. Additionally, flooding is a leading cause of power outages, with storm-driven floods in 2024 averaging 11 hours of electricity interruptions per customer. These facts highlight the widespread and underestimated risks of flooding, even in areas not traditionally considered high-risk.