Pasadena, CA.–  In the wake of the severe winter storms, flooding, debris and mud flows that occurred between December 17, 2010 and January 4, 2011,  207 government agencies, special districts and private non-profit organizations from the 12 counties included in President Obama’s January 26, 2011, major disaster declaration and March 3, 2011 amended declaration have submitted Requests for Public Assistance (RPA), officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) reported today

St Thomas, USVI — Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge residents to prepare a Family Emergency Plan in case of a disaster, especially those that occur without notice, such as earthquakes.

SEATTLE, Wash. — Daylight Savings Time in the United States starts on the second Sunday in March of each year and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages all Americans to use the change to daylight savings time to update emergency preparedness plans. For years, firefighters and safety professionals have asked the public to change smoke alarm batteries throughout their homes, as they move their clocks ahead. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, the March ritual of making homes safer from fire is also a great opportunity to review disaster preparedness plans and restock disaster kits.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Massachusetts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to Massachusetts and ordered federal aid to supplement the commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of January 11-12, 2011.

CHICAGO – With forecasts predicting significant flooding this spring, Wisconsin faces the threat of flooding along rivers and tributaries throughout the state. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging individuals, families and businesses to prepare for flooding now by purchasing a flood insurance policy, as there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), will host a flood risk information open house for Pine County residents on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Pine City Library, 300 5th Street SE in Pine City.

DENTON, Texas — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Victoria County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions about how they can protect life and property.

DENTON, Texas — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Rains County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions about how they can protect life and property.

DENTON, Texas — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Zapata County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions about how they can protect life and property.