FEMA Blog

Posted by: Public Affairs

Here's a look at some of the photos from this week. For our latest updates, stay tuned to this blog.

If you or someone you know has sustained losses in a county that is designated for federal assistance, apply for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, on your phone at http://m.fema.gov, by calling (800) 621-3362 / TTY (800) 462-7585, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you (find DRC’s on your phone).


Ringgold, Ga., May 8, 2011 -- DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano stopped in Cherokee Valley, Ga., near Ringgold, to see the destruction of the April 27, 2011 tornado. She met with residents who lived through the tragic event. She was joined by Charley English, Director of Georgia's Emergency Management Agency.


Griffin, Ga., May 10, 2011 -- Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shaun Donovan (Left) is briefed on FEMA's response to the damage at the Ponderosa Mobile Home Park near Griffin, Ga. With him is HUD Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr., and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. The area was severely damaged by a tornado on April 27, 2011.


Ringgold, Ga., May 8, 2011 -- DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano meets with residents of Ringgold at the First Baptist Church during her visit to the tornado ravaged area. With her are Tom Stufano (Left) Chief of Staff of the Georgia disaster, and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Gracia Szczech (Right).


Vicksburg, Miss., May 11, 2011 -- Janice Sawyer, Site Director for the Capitol River Chapter (Miss.) of the American Red Cross, points to a flooding home in Vicksburg, Miss. The Red Cross is assisting in the ongoing response and recovery efforts. (Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross. See more photos, videos, and updates from the Red Cross.)


Maryland Heights, Mo., May 11, 2011 -- Maryland Heights resident Chris Kamp discusses the FEMA registration process with FEMA Community Relations expert Russ Edmonston. Edmonston along with other FEMA Community Relations Specialists combed affected areas in St. Louis county, Mo. the day after a Presidential Declaration was issued. FEMA provides funds to help homeowner's recover from a disaster.


Vilonia, Ark., May 10, 2011 -- Sandi Hensley, an employee for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management shares a laugh with a small child while her mother registers for assistance with FEMA. FEMA is working with local, state and other federal agencies to assist residents and business owners who sustained damages and losses when a tornado ripped through the area.


Jackson County, Ark., May 9, 2011 -- Residents of the Pennington Community fill sand bags which will be used on a levee to stop water from the Cache River from coming into their house. Flooding along the Mississippi River and its tributaries have caused residents and communities to take additional steps to stay safe.


Collegedale, Tenn., May 8, 2011 -- Pedro Gazmey, a FEMA mitigation specialist at the Collegedale, Tenn. Disaster Recovery Center interviews Richard and Doris Trew about damage to their home. FEMA personnel are the contact point between the disaster survivors and federal assistance.


Birmingham, Ala., May 11, 2011 -- FEMA Region IV Administrator Phillip May (left); US Army Corps of Engineers Commander, MG Todd T. Semonite; FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Mike Byrne; Alabama Emergency Management Agency Executive Officer Jeff Bayard; FEMA Deputy FCO, Joe M. Girot, and other staff, discuss plans for removal of the April tornado debris. FEMA Public Assistance funds can pay a portion of debris removal cost.


Raleigh, N.C., May 12, 2011 -- The Salvation Army staff partner with the Green Chair Project to help disaster survivors in North Carolina re-furnish their homes. The Green Chair Project makes donated home furnishings available at a low cost to individuals and families identified and referred to Green Chair by its partner agencies. FEMA is responding to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that damaged or destroyed homes and businesses across North Carolina on April 16, 2011.


Memphis, Tenn., May 12, 2011 -- FEMA Public Information Officer Gary Weidner is interviewed by the local television media. FEMA's presence at news briefings provides the opportunity to share current information with the public.


Pleasant Grove, Ala., May 6, 2011 -- FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate (right), Alabama Emergency Management Executive Officer Jeff Byard, Mayor Jerry Brasseale, and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne look at a map showing storm damage in the city. State and local officials are partners wth FEMA in disaster response and recovery.


Hackleburg, Ala., May 6, 2011 -- FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate (center) and State Senator Roger Bedford (right) greet applicants for assistance at the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA is here to assist storm affected residents recovery from the deadly April tornado.


Phil Campbell, Ala., May 6, 2011 -- FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate speaks to State and local officials, the press, and others at the Phil Campbell Rescue Squad building which is being used as a disaster service center. Administrator Fugate is touring some centers to assess needs and meet with officials in areas affected by the April deadly tornado.