Topic: FEMA

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11 survival stories from around the world

These survivors experienced extraordinary circumstances; hurricanes, tornados, and avalanches, and lived to tell the tale.

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Change Agent Obama, George H.W. Bush celebrate the 5,000th 'point of light'

Mr. Obama will ask federal agencies how they can make better use of volunteers. 'We are a people that serve,' he says while paying 'tribute to the extraordinary example set by President Bush.'
Janet Napolitano replacement list grows for Homeland Security

Janet Napolitano is stepping down as head of the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans promise a 'spirited debate' over the controversial department and Napolitano's replacement.
USA Update Janet Napolitano steps down at DHS: Who will replace her? (+video)

Janet Napolitano guided DHS through challenging times marked by debates over border security and immigration, airport security policies that critics say were too intrusive, and scrutiny of the federal response to natural disasters.
USA Update FEMA denies disaster funds for West, Texas. Is that unusual?

West needs the disaster funds, say local and state politicians, but FEMA has turned down requests for non-natural disaster aid before. The decision is a new flash point between Texas and the Obama administration.
Opinion How Moore, Okla., can cut through FEMA's red tape and build safer schools

On March 1, 2007, an EF4 tornado killed eight students at Enterprise High School in Alabama, where I was principal at the time. I would urge Moore, Okla., officials to assess how they handled Monday's tornado, yes, but also look forward to how they can rebuild safer schools.
Oklahoma tornado's aftermath: How safe were schools in Moore?

Two schools were directly hit by the EF5 tornado in Moore, Okla., on Monday, and seven students at one were killed. Neither school had a safe room, but with storms this powerful, experts say there are no guarantees.
USA Update Oklahoma tornadoes: how you can help (+video)

The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way are among organizations accepting donations to help those affected by tornadoes in Moore, Okla., and nearby areas.
IRS scandal: Reinvigorated tea party eager to seize moment (+video)

With the Justice Department investigating whether IRS employees criminally misused their power by targeting conservative groups, tea party leaders see the scandal as a teaching tool about what tyranny looks like.
Chapter & Verse Texas plant explosion: A deadly 1947 explosion in Texas City was also caused by ammonium nitrate

Bill Minutaglio, author of 'City on Fire,' discusses the 1947 explosion in Texas City of a ship full of ammonium nitrate that killed hundreds and left thousands wounded.
11 survival stories from around the world

These survivors experienced extraordinary circumstances; hurricanes, tornados, and avalanches, and lived to tell the tale.
Why 'zombie' cyberattack is a real concern for Emergency Alert System (+video)

The Emergency Alert System was hacked this week by someone who inserted a warning that zombies were attacking the US. Funny, yes, but the vulnerabilities to cyberattack are real.
Blizzard 2013 storm prep sharpened by experience in Katrina and Sandy

Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, American storm response has changed dramatically. The blizzard that swept across nine states in the Northeast US this weekend in many ways showed how.
Alabama hostage standoff: new details emerge about kidnapper

Jim Lee Dykes, the man accused of killing a bus-driver and abducting a five-year-old boy, is said to have been a reclusive man with anti-government beliefs.
On battered Jersey shore, Sandy victims struggle with costs of climate change

Before Sandy hit, FEMA was redrawing its flood-risk maps to account for rising sea levels connected to climate change. The result: Rebuilding in some places has become much costlier.
Objections raised over additional projects lumped with Sandy relief

Some lawmakers are cautioning against passing the $50.7 billion Superstorm Sandy aid package, which includes $150 million in aid for fisheries in Alaska, Mississippi and the Northeast. House Republicans have introduced an alternative proposal.
New Congress to vote on superstorm Sandy aid

The new Congress is expected to vote on Friday for relief for the many home and business owners devastated by superstorm Sandy.
Decoder Wire Chris Christie: Did primal scream help or hurt his presidential prospects? (+video)

Gov. Chris Christie tore into Speaker Boehner and the House GOP over the delay in a vote on Sandy relief. That could help him get reelected but hurt him in a Republican primary campaign.
Congress will vote on Sandy aid this week, says Boehner (+video)

House Speaker John Boehner rescheduled a vote on Sandy relief funding for Friday at the urging of lawmakers from the storm's hardest hit regions. The funding is slated to go toward immediate relief for victims as well as rebuilding efforts.
Did New York politicians ignore warnings to prepare for a superstorm?

Since 1978 the state of New York has been required to plan for a superstorm-like disaster. But detailed warnings went unheeded, and much of the planning and recovery from hurricane Sandy was done on the fly.
Focus Winter looming, New York rushes to repair homes hit by superstorm Sandy

Hiring private contractors to repair homes quickly, New York responds to disaster relief in its own entrepreneurial way. Will the city be able to get people back in their homes before year's end?
Focus Want to stay on the coast? Homeowners weigh post-Sandy elevation.

As homeowners consider long-term solutions for superstorm Sandy damage, they may have to raise foundations – or move. Some flood experts say the latter may be the wiser course of action.
Cold, mold loom as hazards in Sandy disaster zones

City officials estimate at least 12,000 New Yorkers are trying to survive in unheated, flood-damaged homes, despite warnings that dropping temperatures could pose a health risk. Many families have returned to coastal homes contaminated with mold or filled with construction dust.
Sandy survivors may be rewarded with higher taxes

Unless shore towns from Rhode Island to New Jersey get a big influx of aid from the state and federal governments, they will have no choice but to raise taxes on homes and businesses.
Sandy recovery claims mount. How much will a divided Congress pay? (+video)

Congress may be wrangling over the 'fiscal cliff,' but budget experts are confident that both parties will agree to provide billions in Sandy recovery aid sought by Northeastern governors.
Superstorm Sandy racks up $32 billion in NY damages (+video)

Between the state of New York and New York City, hurricane Sandy has cost about $32 billion in losses. State and local governments already facing financial strain will turn to the federal government for aid.