Recovery Process: 2. As many of you will be fielding calls, talking with neighbors, etc. I want to share with you as much factual information as possible regarding how this process works.  Interestingly enough, many of the newer emergency managers to the state are dealing with a presidentially-declared disaster for the first time as well and are struggling to understand and convey to their residents the LONG and ever evolving recovery process.  Releasing emergency/disaster related information is always a difficult task because the audience we are trying to access may be hindered by the disaster itself and in most cases they are in an extremely agitated state and find it difficult to understand the information that is being disseminated.  Dean Meadows, EMA from Wyoming County addressed this recently to the state’s EMA Directors … 3. As a reminder, FEMA does NOT reimburse for costs associated with lost food or generators (including fuel). These costs may be covered under a homeowner or renter’s insurance policy and the affected residents should check with their agents. Residents who receive food stamps or SNAP benefits may apply at their local DHHR office to receive reimbursement of lost food through the food stamp program. The deadline for those on assistance to apply with WVDHHR is July 30th. VOAD continues to monitor immediate emergency food needs. 5. BURNING BAN:  A reminder … Due to scarce water supplies and the ongoing emergency response efforts related to the recent storms, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin authorized a burning ban, continuing throughout the state of emergency. WV still has 17,349 households without power almost 2-weeks into this event!!   State and federal resources are being used to address needs until services are able to be restored.  This has put a strain on our infrastructure, resources, responders and citizens … but NOW is the time to take action and begin preparing for the next emergency/disaster.  Have YOU re-stocked your 72+-hour kit?  How prepared are you and your family for the next event?  Ready.gov has some excellent resources and tips for disaster preparedness.  Remember that our greatest resource is our PEOPLE and your personal preparedness will directly relate to your ability (or willingness) to respond to the City and fulfill your commitments during times of disaster.  If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. City of Bridgeport … “Preparedness Lives Here”