President Declares Major Disaster For Louisiana
Release Date: September 2, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-182
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Louisiana to help people and communities recover from the effects of Hurricane Gustav on September 1, 2008, and continuing.
FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organization on a cost-sharing basis for in the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana for debris removal.
Paulison named Michael J. Hall as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Hall said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are complete.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=10489
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
ESRD Networks continue collaboration for tropical weather threats
The KCER Coalition is continuing daily communication with ESRD Networks, CMS, providers, and key stakeholders in the kidney community for the impact of Gustav and the threat of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hanna.
The KCER website has been updated with information to include helpline numbers and information for Hanna.
As always, everyone should monitor conditions through the National Hurricane Center, your local weather service office, your local emergency management agency, and local news media for information specific to your area.
www.kcercoalition.com
The KCER website has been updated with information to include helpline numbers and information for Hanna.
As always, everyone should monitor conditions through the National Hurricane Center, your local weather service office, your local emergency management agency, and local news media for information specific to your area.
www.kcercoalition.com
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Kidney Community Collaborates for Gustav
End Stage Renal Disease Networks in the Gulf Coast are communicating daily with the KCER Coalition, CMS, and other stakeholders to ensure kidney community issues are addressed for Hurricane Gustav.
As of 5pm (EST), Gustav was 215 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, heading northwest at about 18 miles per hour. Gustav is a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph. There is an increased threat for storm surge, tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall.
Patients and providers are encouraged to contact their dialysis provider hotline and ESRD Network for information or assistance.
* DaVita: 800-400-8331 (operational 24/7)
* Fresenius: 800-626-1297 (operational 24/7)
* DCI Donor Hotline/Transient Patients: 800-969-4438
ESRD Network 13 (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas): 800-472-8664
ESRD Network 14 (Texas): 877-886-4435
ESRD Network 8 (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee): 877-936-9260 (Patients only) 601-936-9260
As of 5pm (EST), Gustav was 215 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, heading northwest at about 18 miles per hour. Gustav is a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph. There is an increased threat for storm surge, tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall.
Patients and providers are encouraged to contact their dialysis provider hotline and ESRD Network for information or assistance.
* DaVita: 800-400-8331 (operational 24/7)
* Fresenius: 800-626-1297 (operational 24/7)
* DCI Donor Hotline/Transient Patients: 800-969-4438
ESRD Network 13 (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas): 800-472-8664
ESRD Network 14 (Texas): 877-886-4435
ESRD Network 8 (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee): 877-936-9260 (Patients only) 601-936-9260
Thursday, August 28, 2008
KCER Monitors Tropical Weather Threats Gustav, Hanna
The KCER Coalition is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Gustav and Hanna. ESRD Networks, CMS, and KCER Response Team leaders are in communication regarding preparations for these storms.
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the progression of Gustav through the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, and their local weather service office and emergency management agency.
National Hurricane Center forecasts are typically issued every six hours (5am, 11am, 5pm, 11pm). Gulf Coast areas and Florida should monitor the forecasts, as they change daily and remember not to focus on "the skinny black line" of the projected landfall.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency:
www.msema.org/
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness:
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
Texas Division of Emergency Management:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
http://ema.alabama.gov/
Florida Division of Emergency Management
www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the progression of Gustav through the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, and their local weather service office and emergency management agency.
National Hurricane Center forecasts are typically issued every six hours (5am, 11am, 5pm, 11pm). Gulf Coast areas and Florida should monitor the forecasts, as they change daily and remember not to focus on "the skinny black line" of the projected landfall.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency:
www.msema.org/
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness:
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
Texas Division of Emergency Management:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
http://ema.alabama.gov/
Florida Division of Emergency Management
www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
Monday, August 25, 2008
Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event: The Recovery Process Continues
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/NMH02-0140/default.asp
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear.
On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful. Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.
Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.
Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally.
Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.
Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.
Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional. In the workplace, you may be able to get assistance from your human resources department or your company's Employee Assistance Program.
NMH02-014010/02
More resources:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear.
On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful. Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.
Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.
Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally.
Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.
Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.
Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional. In the workplace, you may be able to get assistance from your human resources department or your company's Employee Assistance Program.
NMH02-014010/02
More resources:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/katrina/
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
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