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FEMA: 2018 Hurricane Season Outlook

May 02, 2018
Photo: NOAA.gov

Arago’s Admonition:

“Never, no matter what may be the progress of science, will honest scientific men who have regard for their reputations venture to predict the weather.”

It is hard to believe, as FEMA and our stakeholders are still very much in active recovery mode from the 2017 hurricane season, that the official start to the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1st.  Forecasts from leading researchers and meteorologists, including those at Colorado State University, are predicting a busy 2018 hurricane season with a 60% probability for a major hurricane hitting the U.S. coast. Researchers also predict a slightly above average season in terms of number of hurricanes formed and intensity of the storms.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an above average hurricane season would equal over 11 named storms. NOAA continues to monitor weather patterns and will make formal forecasts closer to the start of June when the season officially begins.

Colorado State University added that higher than average ocean waters in the western tropical Atlantic combined with cooler than average ocean temperatures in the north and western Atlantic will contribute to an active upcoming hurricane season.

FEMA offers a number of resources to help to prepare for the upcoming Hurricane season. Visit FEMA.gov or download the FEMA app from iTunes or Google Play today. Before the 2017 Hurricane Season, Acting FEMA Administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr. (now FEMA Region IX Administrator) said, “Regardless of how many storms develop this year, it only takes one to disrupt our lives. Get ready now with these easy, low-cost steps that will leave you better prepared and will make all the difference: Have a family discussion about what you will do, where you will go and how you will communicate with each other when a storm threatens; Know your evacuation route; tune into your local news or download the FEMA app to get alerts, and finally – listen to local authorities as a storm approaches.”

(Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov, Colorado State University Extended Range Forecast of 2018 Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity, http://www.bsc.es/seasonalhurricanepredictions)

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TS Jose cone stalks Rosh Hashanah

September 15, 2017

Tropical Storm Jose has been meandering around the Atlantic and the New York area is already experiencing rough surf from the system. As you can see from the graphic, the “cone of uncertainty” encompasses our region on Rosh Hashanah. Jose could both strengthen and weaken by then and affect portions of the east coast of the United States from North Carolina northward to New England. It is too soon to determine what or where. NYCEM will continue to monitor the status and progress of TS Jose and you should pay close attention to weather forecasts over the coming days.

What should you do until then?

  • Plan. September is National Preparedness Month, so you should have an emergency plan covering four basic areas: How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Know your zone. New York City refined its Evacuation Zones after Sandy. Take a look at the NYC Hurricane Zone Finder and for Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.
  • Get notified. Sign up for emergency alerts from NYC, Nassau, Suffolk and/or Westchester (temporarily unavailable).
  • Stock up. As we know from Texas and Florida, storms bring power outages and limited mobility. Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Halacha. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. The Rabbinical Council of America distributed this document, dealing with questions arising from severe weather on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
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Sukkahs in the wind

October 01, 2015

Please distribute on blogs and synagogue/community listserves.

NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) is now advising New Yorkers to prepare for ongoing sustained winds upwards of 30mph with wind gusts in excess of 70mph. Most Succoth, especially in open areas or experiencing sustained gusts, are not built for such conditions.

The Rabbinical Council of America is distributing this document, developed by Rabbi Kenneth Brander with profound thanks to Rav Hershel Schachter, shlita for his guidance. The relevant portion of the document follows:

Sukkot, Shemeni Atzeret & Simchat HaTorah

  •  If the weather forecast is for winds of over 40 mph there is a serious danger that the sukkah will become flying debris which can create dangerous projectiles and should be dismantled before Shabbat/Yom Tov.
  • If there is a concern of schach flying around (in winds that are less than 40 mph winds) then the schach can be tied down even with plastic cable ties.
  • If schach needs to be replaced or tied down on the sukkah on Shabbat or Yom Tov in can be done by a Gentile.
  • If there is concern about going to shul on Simchat Torah morning – Vezot ha’Berakha can be read on the night of Simchat Torah in five aliyot. Alternatively should the storm pass by Simchat Torah afternoon then hakafot and torah reading can be read at an early mincha on Simchat Torah.

Of course, individuals and organizations should consult with their appropriate halachic authorities. Some additional tips:

  • Secure your Sukkah to fixed objects such as posts or fencing. Unsecured bamboo mats can become airborne, leading to injuries and property damage. Unsecured walls (either canvas or plywood) are essentially sails and could collapse and/or blow away. This is already happening in the Washington, DC area.
  • Balconies. Succoth built on balconies on higher floors are subject to higher winds.
  • There is a likelihood of blackouts during the storm. See the RCA document here for additional guidance. The source document with citations can be found here.
  • Drying. If you do take down and secure your Sukkah over the next few days, the materials and skhakh are likely to be wet. To avoid mold, be sure to thoroughly dry everything after Sukkoth before you store it. (HT Dori Zofan).

Thanks to NYCEM Commissioner Joseph Esposito and Assistant Commissioner Ira Tannenbaum for their ongoing leadership and concern. Here is the NYCEM guidance:

The National Weather Service forecast for the next several days includes wind speeds that are predicted to be between 15 and 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph at times. High winds can down trees and power lines, blow out windows, blow down signs, cause flying debris, and structural collapse. Individuals who have constructed a Succah for the holiday should take appropriate actions to secure the structure and roofing to prevent damage or injury from flying debris.

Ira Tannenbaum
Assistant Commissioner, Public/Private Initiatives
New York City Emergency Management
165 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, NY 11201

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT11/refresh/AL1115W5+gif/180011W_sm.gif

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Focus on resources: DHS Protective Security Advisors

August 03, 2015

PSA imageRecently, we received an inquiry from an out-of-state colleague. Some of his questions could be answered over the phone, but it was clear that an on-site consultation was in order.

I asked my colleague, “Do you know your Protective Security Advisor (PSA)?” He replied, “What?”

DHS employs PSA’s in all 50 states and many states have multiple regions. Our experience here in NY is that our PSA’s are a wonderful resource. They are hard-working, knowledgeable and professional.

  • Security surveys. Subject to time constraints you can ask your PSA to conduct security surveys and assessments of your facilities. We’ve joined our PSA’s during some of these sessions and their suggestions are both sound and pragmatic.
  • Training. PSA’s have access to a wide variety of training options, e.g. active shooters, suspicious packages, severe weather. Even if you don’t know your exact need, talk to them. They can open up a variety of resources for you.
  • Special events planning. Let them know if you are planning a high profile event. They can advise you on security and logistical issues.
  • Outreach. Get on their radar. They will invite you to various trainings and events.

Click here for more information on Protective Security Advisors. To contact your local PSA, please contact PSCDOperations@hq.dhs.gov. To contact NY PSA’s or if you have questions or need other assistance please complete the form below.

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Loan program for nonprofits impacted by #Sandy

November 27, 2012

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES NYC NONPROFIT RECOVERY LOAN PROGRAM FOR NONPROFITS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SANDY

Loan Program will provide at least $26 Million of Interest-Free Loans to Help Nonprofits Rebuild

Pro-Bono Lawyers Will Provide Legal Service to Impacted Nonprofits

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced several efforts to support New York City’s nonprofit organizations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Building on a strong commitment to support and strengthen the nonprofit sector, the initiatives include the NYC Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program, a $26 million bridge loan program, pro-bono legal assistance dedicated to nonprofits, briefings regarding federal reimbursements and filing procedures, updated nonprofit assistance information on NYC.gov and support for nonprofits at the NYC Restoration Centers. The NYC Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program is supported by funders including the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the Ford Foundation, Capital One Bank, the Robin Hood Foundation and The New York Community Trust. It will be administered by the Fund for the City of New York. The program will provide interest-free loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to New York City nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Sandy and will cover losses associated with the disruption of operations and property damage. Priority will be given to organizations that have suffered the most severe losses and/or are operating in the worst affected areas, and will be made against expected claims to be filed with the nonprofit’s own insurance company and with FEMA, as well as against committed government, foundation and corporate contracts and grants. Read More Loan program for nonprofits impacted by #Sandy

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Guidance for Synagogues Impacted By #Sandy for Preserving Possibility for Financial Aid from FEMA

November 20, 2012

Thanks to Nathan Diament of the OU IPA and Jarrod Bernstein of the White House for their work with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA on the following (adapted from the OU IPA):

In the context of Sandy related damage, FEMA provides supplemental funding (after insurance payments are exhausted) for the repair and restoration of infrastructure and facilities to pre-disaster condition.

Nonprofit entities that can qualify for such financial aid include hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, day care centers, libraries, museums and senior centers located in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties.

(Several years ago, in the wake of a natural disaster that damaged the Jewish day school in Seattle, the Orthodox Union worked successfully with the Bush Administration and allies in Congress to amend the laws and regulations which govern FEMA to clearly include non-public — including parochial — schools in the class of entities eligible for FEMA reconstruction funds.)

Immediately in the wake of the storm, the OU’s Washington Office initiated discussions with senior officials at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (under which FEMA operates) to establish the eligibility of houses of worship — including synagogues — damaged by Sandy for FEMA reconstruction funds. We are making progress, but the discussions are ongoing.

In order for synagogues to preserve their ability to potentially receive reconstruction aid, applicants must complete a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the declared event (it has been amended to December 13, 2012).

Therefore, if your shul has sustained damage due to Hurricane Sandy, we urge you to file the forms included in the Request for Public Assistance package.

The disaster number is: FEMA-4085-DR-NY.

In the lower section of the Request for Public Assistance form: you should:

    1. Check the box “Yes” that your synagogue is a private non-profit organization, and
    2. Describe your organization on the next line as “community center and library” as well as any other descriptors listed in the lower section of the form if you provide such services in your synagogue (i.e., day care center, homeless shelter, senior citizens center).
    3. Only describe your synagogue as a “school” if your school is an accredited elementary or secondary school (K-12).

The forms and the supporting documents listed at the bottom of the form should be sent to:

New York State Office of Emergency Management
1220 Washington Avenue
Building 22, Suite 101
Albany, NY 12226-2251
(Fax: 518-322-4984)

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FEMA meetings on assistance for nonprofits

November 12, 2012

Please note the meetings below. We don’t yet know which nonprofits will be eligible for FEMA assistance, so it’s best to get the information and to fill out the Request for Public Assistance.

Public assistance (Infrastructure Support Program) for Hurricane Sandy-related activities is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for qualifying nonprofit entities, including hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, day care centers, and senior centers located in the following counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Information related to applying for FEMA assistance, including an Applicant Handbook and Request for Public Assistance (RPA) forms, is available on the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYS OEM) Web site at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/. The FEMA Public Assistance program provides supplemental reimbursement (after insurance is deducted) for the repair and restoration of infrastructure and facilities to pre-disaster condition.  The program is focused on organizations that have sustained extensive disaster losses.

Important:  FEMA determines whether a Private Non-Profit (PNP) is eligible.  This is an evolving process, and categories of eligibility may change as the specifics of Hurricane Sandy’s impact become clearer.  We strongly encourage you to attend an Applicant Briefing regardless of whether or not your organization type is listed as eligible in FEMA guidelines.

Applicants should attend a kickoff meeting in the county in which their facility is located. The kick-off meeting will provide an overview of the application process and review the necessary documentation needed to apply for FEMA assistance. The scheduled dates and times are provided below by county. Meetings are expected to last approximately two hours.

County

Date

Time

Location

New York City

Wed, 11/14

 

10:00 a.m.

  2:00 p.m.

 NYC OMB

255 Greenwich Street, 8th Floor

New York, NY

 

Thur, 11/15

10:00 a.m.

  2:00 p.m.

 

NYC OMB

255 Greenwich Street, 8th Floor

New York, NY

 

Fri, 11/16

10:00 a.m.

 2:00 p.m.

49-51 Chambers Street

RSVP: http://goo.gl/ooifS

 

Mon,11/19

10:00 a.m.

  2:00 p.m.

49-51 Chambers Street

RSVP: http://goo.gl/ooifS

Nassau

Thur, 11/15

10:00 a.m.

  2:00 p.m.

  7:00 p.m.

Nassau County Legislative Chamber

1550 North Franklin

Mineola, NY

Rockland

Tues, 11/20

10:00 a.m.

Rockland County Fire Training Center

35 Fireman’s Memorial Drive

Pomona, NY

Suffolk

Wed, 11/14

 9:30 a.m.

Suffolk County CC West Campus

Crooked Hill Road

Brentwood, NY

 

Wed, 11/14

1:30 p.m.

Suffolk County CC East Campus

121 Speonk-Riverhead Road

Riverhead, NY

Westchester

Tues, 11/13

 9:00 a.m.

 1:00 p.m.

Westchester County Center

198 Central Avenue

White Plains, NY

To RSVP for a FEMA Applicant Briefing at 49-51 Chambers Street, please complete the RSVP form here: http://goo.gl/ooifS. Limit two attendees per organization.

Application Eligibility, Requirements and Process

The following facilities are generally eligible for assistance:  educational, utilities, irrigation, emergency, medical, and custodial care facilities and facilities that provide essential government services.  Those that provide “other essential government services”, must be open to the general  public include, irrigation facilities, museums, zoos, community centers, libraries, homeless  shelters, senior citizens centers, shelter workshops, and health and safety services of a  governmental nature.

Applicants must complete a Request for Assistance (RPA) within 30 days of the declared event. In this case, that is by November 29th, 2012. After an entity submits a completed set of documents, institutions will be contacted to schedule a kickoff meeting, which is the initial meeting between FEMA, the State, and the applicant to discuss eligible projects for public assistance. FEMA will be represented by a Public Assistance Coordinator (PAC) and NYS OEM will be represented by a Public Assistance Liaison. This team will assist the institution in completing any necessary Project Worksheets and facilitate the public assistance process. These worksheets will be due 60 days after submission of the RPA. Please note that FEMA does not cover expenses otherwise covered by insurance policies or payers.

Private Not for Profit (PNPs) Institutions must also include:

    1. State Tax Exempt Form
    2. PNP Questionnaire
    3. Official E-mail Address
    4. Back-up information (Organization Charter or By-Laws, Descriptive Publications, Description of membership policies or fee structures)

More information about the remainder of the process, descriptions of eligible work, and the required documents can be found on OEM’s website at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/

–>

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After #Sandy: Preserving books, heirlooms and memories

November 04, 2012

Among the ruins left in #Sandy’s path are precious photographs and sacred books. The Library of Congress has a webpage here devoted to the immediate response actions that can be taken to save affected materials and prevent further damage, including:

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