Davie Hurricane Relief.org 

A private effort to enhance communications before and after hurricanes and other emergency events

Hurricane Digest and News Archive Page

A residential street in Long Beach, Mississippi, September 6, 2005.  If it could happen there, it could happen here.  Are we organized?  Prepared?

If you have a question about any article below, contact us at mac0202@bellsouth.net

REPORT ON TOWN OF DAVIE AND PRIVATE RELIEF EFFORTS IN SUN-SENTINEL ON 10.5.05

Food needed for the holidays

Post Katrina local relief efforts provided by the Town of Davie, the EASE Foundation, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army were reported on October 5 by the newspaper in the local section of it's web site.  Efforts by Council Members Judy Paul, Lisa Hubert and Susan Starkey were also mentioned.  According to the paper, EASE Director Linda Owen reported that in the aftermath of the hurricane, the biggest need was food.  Davie officials worked hard to provide ice and water, according to the story.  The article also pointed out that food stocks are needed in preparation for the holiday season, to help those in need.  For more information, please visit the Food Donation page of this web site by clicking here.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS 5,000 DISPLACED BY STORM LIVE IN BROWARD COUNTY HOTELS

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on Friday, September 30, that about 5,000 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina are living in Broward hotels.  Citing reports from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which is tracking the number, Broward County is playing a key role in assisting those forced from their homes on the Gulf Coast.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFERS TAX BREAKS TO DESIGNATED FLORIDA COUNTIES, INCLUDING BROWARD, MIAMI-DADE, MONROE AND GULF COAST AREAS

Congress has passed, and the President has signed, a program to assist individuals in designated Hurricane Katrina areas.  "KETRA," otherwise known as the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act, was enacted last Friday.  There are important tax benefits for qualified Katrina victims.  The law reportedly provides tax relief for personal debt that is taxable, casualty loss claims, retirement account distributions and child tax credits.  Other areas in Florida and the U.S. Gulf states are designated as qualified for this tax relief.  Specific details on the new law are hard to locate on official governmental web sites as of 9.28.05.  Once found, we will post links here.  In the meantime, you should contact your CPA or the IRS for more information.  Web and media reports the tax breaks can be substantial, and this important legislation should be very carefully reviewed by qualified individuals.

FEMA REJECTS LOCAL KATRINA AID

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected processing claims for local damage from Hurricane Katrina.  The FEMA announcement came after considering an appeal from Florida officials who asked for a review of an earlier decision to deny aid to those affected by Katrina when it passed through Broward and Dade Counties as a Category One hurricane on August 25.  Legislation is currently pending in Congress to force FEMA to provide aid to qualifying individuals in this area, but it is yet to be considered by the House of Representatives.  According to the Sun-Sentinel on September 22, 2005, approximately 11,000 people in Florida made claims to FEMA for assistance in the aftermath of Katrina.  The newspaper also reports Florida does not have an individual assistance aid program along the lines of FEMA. (Posted 9.22.05).

LOCAL HURRICANE RESEARCH CONDUCTED

Why do developing hurricanes change intensity in just a matter of hours? What would cause Hurricane Rita to develop from a Category 2 to a Category 5 storm within 24 hours, and become the third most intense hurricane in recorded history? These are some of the questions being studied by the University of Miami, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Navy, the National Science Foundation, the University of Washington and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).   The research effort, entitled "The Rainband and Intensity Change Experiment," (RAINEX), began its research during Hurricane Katrina.  According to the University of Miami, RAINEX "is studying the interaction between hurricane winds and rain, using data recorded from hurricane research flights."

BROWARD SHERIFF'S WEB SITE OFFERS LINKS TO COMMUNITY WEATHER DATA

Several BSO District Offices offer weather data, which is continually updated.  For more information, visit http://www.sheriff.org/news_from_bso/display.cfm?pk=616.

NEW FEMA HEAD HAS DAVIE TIES

The Sun-Sentinel reported Monday that the new Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, R. David Paulison, once lived in the Town of Davie.  He is a former Chief of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department and oversaw the Dade County Emergency Management Office and directed the Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue Task Force.  He has extensive experience in Federal disaster planning.  For a more detailed biographical summary of Mr. Paulison, please go to: http://www.fema.gov/about/bios/paulison.shtm.  (Posted 9.14.05).

IRS EXPANDS RELIEF TO CERTAIN FLORIDA AREAS

On September 2, 2005, the Internal Revenue Service expanded certain tax relief to Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.  For more information, please go to: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=147237,00.html.

INTERESTING SAN FRANCISCO WEB SITE OFFERS PREPARATION AND RECOVERY IDEAS

Even without the threat of hurricanes to deal with, an informative web site based in San Francisco can teach us much about emergency preparedness.  The site contains useful content for most types of emergencies.  To see the site, go to www.72hours.org.  (Posted 9.14.05).

BACKGROUND CHECKS URGED BEFORE HOUSING DISPLACED HURRICANE VICTIMS

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Monday, September 12), law enforcement officials are cautioning those who are offering temporary residences for displaced hurricane victims to secure a background check on those to be housed.  The article also offered important tips, such as making sure those providing housing understand the physical and emotional needs of survivors to be given the relief, setting mutual expectations and placing time limits on the length of any housing offers.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced on September 9 that it is assisting local law enforcement in the background check effort, and has set up a special program which expires on November 7, 2005.  For more information on background checks, contact your local law enforcement agency. (Posted 9.12.05).

CONGRESSIONAL BILL FILED TO PROVIDE FEMA FUNDS TO FLORIDA IN AFTERMATH OF KATRINA

 A bill filed in Congress Monday would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide relief to Florida victims of Hurricane Katrina, which damaged the area as a Category 1 event before moving to the Gulf States.  The bi-partisan bill is an effort to secure FEMA funds which were denied to the state in the aftermath of the storm. The proposed law now must go through the legislative process.  The State of Florida is also appealing the denial of FEMA funds to Floridians. Please watch this space for updates. (Posted 9.12.05).

NEW IRS PROGRAM ALLOWS DONATION OF SICK, VACATION AND PERSONAL DAYS TO HELP VICTIMS IN GULF STATES

CNN reported on 9/10/05 the Internal Revenue Service has announced an effort allowing employees to trade in their sick and vacation time in exchange for cash donations to those victimized by Hurricane Katrina.  Personal days are included in the program.  The days are given back to the employer, according to CNN and a statement released by the IRS.  Once donated, the employer makes a cash donation to a qualified tax-exempt organization which is providing assistance in the U.S. Gulf states.  Under the program, employers can deduct the donation from taxes and the donated time is not counted as income.  For more information, consult the IRS or speak with your accountant/CPA.  (Posted 9.11.05).

TOWN OF DAVIE WORKING HARD TO CLEAN UP STORM DEBRIS

Crews from The Town of Davie have been working diligently to pick up hurricane debris. According to the Town web site, "the target date for completion is September 17."  The debris must be able to burn.  This special post hurricane pick up does not include appliances or other non-burnable bulk items.  Additional hurricane debris pick up information is available by calling the  Public Works Department at (954) 797-1240.  (Posted 9.11.05).

DAVIE ASSISTS DISPLACED RESIDENT

Council Member Susan Starkey reports a replacement dwelling was located for a displaced Davie resident and assistance has been provided through the Emergency Assistance/Homeless Prevention Program.  Many thanks to Shirley-Taylor Prakelt, Director of Housing and Community Development, Hope Outreach and Broward Homebound. (Posted 9.8.05).

300 JOBS AVAILABLE IN DAVIE

Target and Stiles Corporation have announced that 300 new jobs are available at the Super Target Store at the Lakeside Town Shops Shopping Center...Applications can be submitted at the store located at 5880 N. University Drive, in Davie.  Those left unemployed by Hurricane Katrina are encouraged to apply. (Posted 9.7.05).

TOWN OF DAVIE HURRICANE RELIEF FUND SET UP

The Town of Davie Hurricane Relief Fund has been established as of 9.7.05, to assist those adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Please consider donating to the fund and send your checks to the Town Administrator's Office, Davie Town Hall, 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314. (Posted 9.7.05).

JOB AND BUSINESS LOSSES AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

September 5, 2005- CBS News reported massive job and business losses in New Orleans on it's web site.  According to Correspondent Mark Strassmann, "thousands of businesses" were wiped out.  He also reported an anticipated unemployment rate of 25 percent in the months to come.  Small businesses will be especially hard hit, and may not reopen for months...if at all.  All told, the report states, up to 1 million people may have lost their jobs, at least for now, in those states most directly affected by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flooding of the "Big Easy."  As people try to get back on their financial feet, prices of energy, food and housing will increase. What this means for you: If Davie cannot house those affected by this disaster, we can look for jobs, whether they be part-time or full employment opportunities.  Public works projects can be created or expanded.  Each of us can talk to our own small business owners, the corporations we work for and our public officials to try to assist those relocating in South Florida in finding gainful employment.  If you are in contact with someone who is willing to offer a job to a displaced individual, or you can create a job on your own, contact us by clicking here. 

THE NEW BANKRUPTCY BILL IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

September 6, 2005- CNN.com reported on September 6 that personal and business bankruptcies will be considered by Hurricane Katrina survivors.  It is possible the number of bankruptcies will skyrocket in numbers, but with the new bankruptcy law scheduled to go into effect on October 17, seeking protection from creditors under the revised Bankruptcy Code will be much more difficult. There are already calls for delayed implementation of the new laws, and for providing exemptions from the changes for hurricane victims.  Some say the new law already provides protections for those harmed by the hurricane.  What this means for you: If special exemptions are made for those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, those residents in South Florida who were displaced from their homes should be included.  The relief should not be limited to just residents of the U.S. Gulf. 

Residents needing aid can call the local Red Cross at 954-797-3800. You can also contact the Town of Davie Housing and Community Development Department at 954-797-1173.

Please donate to the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Town of Davie Hurricane Relief Fund

The Town of Davie Hurricane Relief Fund has been established by  the Town Council to provide help to those displaced by Hurricane Katrina and to provide a base of support for local responses to the challenges of future hurricanes and other Town wide emergencies.  The funds raised will be for efforts not covered by FEMA, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army or other major relief organizations.  Donations are tax deductible.   Please send your checks, made payable to "Town of Davie" to the Town of Davie Hurricane Relief Fund, 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314.