FEMA Blog

Posted by: Public Affairs

Even though the national media attention has faded in recent weeks, we continue to fully support the state and local efforts across the southeast and central U.S. due to the tornadoes, flooding and severe storms. The response and recovery efforts are truly a team effort, with federal, state, tribal and local government, faith-based and non-profit groups, the private sector, and the public working together to meet the needs of disaster survivors and the affected community.

Here are some of the latest images from our photo library, showing our disaster recovery efforts in action. For the latest updates regarding a specific disaster, visit the disaster page.

And if you are a disaster survivor or know someone who sustained losses in a county designated for federal assistance, please share that you can apply for assistance at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/, on your phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 / TTY 800-462-7585.


Tuscaloosa, Ala., June 10, 2011 -- A FEMA mitigation specialist and Lowe's Store Manager review the plans for a ' DAWG HAUS' demonstration, which is a building method that helps structures withstand high winds. FEMA works with the private sector to get resources out to disaster survivors as they continue to rebuild their homes and businesses.

Germantown, Tenn., June 8, 2011 -- Mary Kay Leford, FEMA hazard mitigation specialist, discusses building safe rooms with Lowe's customer, Jack Kelley. Hazard mitigation specialists are providing information on how homeowners and business can rebuild at building supply stores in the declared counties.


Huntingdon, Tenn., June 8, 2011 -- Applicant assistant Marie Hanzel reviews a disaster survivor’s case at the Carroll Country disaster recovery center. FEMA disaster recovery centers are providing support as FEMA moves from county to county to be available in the areas that were recently declared.


Little Rock, Ark., June 8, 2011 --A FEMA housing specialist inspects the kitchen in a small temporary housing unit that will be provided to an Arkansas resident whose home was damaged during the recent storms that swept across Arkansas. FEMA is working with local, state, federal and private agencies to provide assistance to survivors of the recent storms which has impacted Arkansas.


Joplin, Mo., June 7, 2011 -- Crews work to remove debris around Joplin, caused by the May 22 tornado. FEMA has commissioned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to oversee private contractors during the controlled debris removal.



Joplin, Mo., June 4, 2011 -- Michael Padilla is one of 11,000 registered volunteers helping out in Joplin. Volunteers can register at Joplin's Volunteer Reception Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus. FEMA continues to work with volunteer-, community-, and faith-based groups as recovery efforts continue.


Ripley, Tenn., June 4, 2011 -- This mobile communications office vehicle is providing support to the disaster recovery center in Lauderdale County. The vehicles can set up and provide communications in areas where there is no communications support available.


Rogers, Ark., June 4, 2011 -- A FEMA community relations specialist speaks with a resident during an community event in Rogers, Ark. FEMA community relations specialists were at the fair to provide residents about FEMA's disaster relief programs and to encourage residents affected by recent flooding or tornadoes to register for assistance.