Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian
Dennis Brownlee.  Dennis’ guest speakers were
from FEMA and discussed the recent FEMA efforts
surrounding Hurricane Irma.  Pamela Mason,
Assistant External Affairs Director of FEMA led
the discussion. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency of
the | United States Department of Homeland
Security, initially created by Presidential
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 and implemented
by two Executive Orders on April 1, 1979.
  The agency's primary purpose is to coordinate
the response to a disaster that has occurred in
the United States and that overwhelms the
resources of local and state authorities. The
governor of the state in which the disaster occurs
must declare a state of emergency and formally
request from the president that FEMA and the
federal government respond to the disaster. The
only exception to the state's gubernatorial
declaration requirement occurs when an
emergency or disaster takes place on federal
property or to a federal asset.
  While on-the-ground support of disaster recovery
efforts is a major part of FEMA's charter, the
agency provides state and local governments with
experts in specialized fields and funding for
rebuilding efforts and relief funds for infrastructure
by directing individuals to access low interest
loans, in conjunction with the Small Business
Administration. In addition to this, FEMA provides
funds for training of response personnel throughout
the United States and its territories as part of the
agency's preparedness effort.  Over $1.66Billion
has flowed to Florida in response to Irma.  2.62
million people have registered so far for personal
disaster relief.  More than 13,000 people have
applied for, and have received more than $482 million
in small business loans.  Over $268 million have
gone to National Flood Insurance Program.  More
than 129,305 individuals have registered for
assistance in Hillsborough County.  Even if you
are insured you may still qualify for assistance.
  Many people are also eligible for the ”hotel
program” (TSA) that helps individuals that cannot
stay in their homes with lodging assistance.
FEMA gives out assistance in “lump sum”
payments that people need to diligent with their
funds.  Assistance starts at the local level, and
ends at the local level.  FEMA is help for the short
term.  The SBA low interest loans that are available
can help with inventory, signage, and other things
to help small businesses get back to work.  FEMA
covers a wide range of assistance and if you have
been impacted by Irma, in anyway, there may be
assistance available for you.   Go to the FEMA
website to register and see how they may be
able to help. -submitted by Mike Arndt