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Association
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Sims Mortuary Inc Receives 2010 Best of El Dorado Award |
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I am pleased to announce that Sims Mortuary Inc has been
selected for the 2010 Best of El Dorado Award in the
Funeral Home category by the US Commerce Association.
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies
companies that we believe have achieved exceptional
marketing success in their local community and business
category. These are local companies that enhance the
positive image of small business through service to
their customers and community. Also, a copy of the press
release publicizing the selection of Sims Mortuary Inc
has been
posted on our website.
The USCA hereby grants Sims Mortuary Inc a
non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce,
distribute, and display this press release in any media
formats and through any media channels. |
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This communication comes to
each of you in an effort to reach out and assist one of
our own. On Sunday morning, July 20, 2010 Jerry Cooley,
owner of Cooley’s Mortuary in Batesville, MS lost his
home to a fire.
Cooley and his family were blessed that no one was
injured in the midst of this tragedy. |
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We are asking that each of you extend your hearts to our
fellow man during this time of need. The Cooley’s are
currently residing at a hotel in Batesville but can be
reached at the funeral home @ (662) 563-8829. All
donations (monetary, food, clothing, etc.) should be
sent directly to Jerry Cooley at P.O. Box 1593
Batesville, MS 38606 |
Thanks in advance and please keep the Cooley’s in your
prayer
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FTC delays “Red Flag Rule.. |
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On May 28, the Federal Trade Commission announced it was
delaying enforcement of its "Red Flags" rule for the
third time, until Dec. 31, for financial institutions
and creditors subject to the FTC's jurisdiction. The
action was in response to a request from Congress, while
officials consider legislation that would affect the
scope of entities covered by the rule. The AICPA is
continuing to seek an exemption for public accounting
firms before the rule takes effect. FTC enforcement of
the rule was scheduled to begin June 1. The "Red Flags"
rule requires "creditors" or "financial institutions"
with covered accounts to have programs to assist in
identifying a potential identity theft. On Nov. 10, the
AICPA sued the FTC on behalf of its members over the
"Red Flags" rule claiming that CPAs in public practice
should not be subjected to it. Earlier this year, the
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted
a delay of enforcement of the rule for public accounting
members of the AICPA for 90 days after an opinion comes
down from the Court of Appeals on a similar case brought
by the American Bar Association. |
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URGENT ALERT!
NFD&MA MEMBERS |
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(For Release:03.22.2010) |
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“This is a serious matter! A five to ten percent
violation rate is significant! Everything above these
levels is very serious and in my opinion will increase
the rate of inspections/investigations.” - NFD&MA,
Inc.’s Legislative Committee Chair Gerard “Skip” Mikell |
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Undercover Inspections of Funeral Homes in Nine
States and Washington, D.C. Press Funeral Homes to
Comply with Consumer Protection Law |
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Investigators working undercover in nine states and the
District of Columbia found significant violations of
Federal Trade Commission consumer protection rules at 52
of 175 funeral homes they visited during 2009. |
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The FTC conducts undercover inspections every year to
make sure that funeral homes are complying with the
agency’s Funeral Rule. The Rule, enacted in 1984, gives
consumers important rights when making funeral
arrangements. Key provisions of the Rule require funeral
homes to provide consumers with an itemized price list
at the start of an in-person discussion of funeral
arrangements, as well as a casket price list before
consumers view any caskets. The Rule also prohibits
funeral homes from requiring consumers to buy any item,
such as a casket, as a condition of obtaining any other
funeral good or service. By requiring itemized prices,
the Rule enables consumers to compare prices and buy
only the goods and services they want. |
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Funeral homes found to have significant violations can
enter a training program designed to increase compliance
with the Funeral Rule. The three-year program is known
as the Funeral Rule Offenders Program, and is an
alternative to a possible FTC lawsuit that could lead to
a court order and civil penalties of up to $16,000 per
violation. It is run by the National Funeral Directors
Association and provides participants with a legal
review of the price disclosures required by the Funeral
Rule, and on-going training, testing and monitoring for
compliance with the Rule. In addition, funeral homes
that participate in the program make a voluntary payment
to the U.S. Treasury in place of a civil penalty, and
pay annual administrative fees to the Association. |
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FTC inspections during 2009 revealed a mixed
compliance record: |
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In Chicago, Illinois, one of 12 funeral homes inspected
had significant violations;
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In Metro Washington, D.C., including parts of Maryland
and Virginia, 19 of 59 funeral homes inspected had
significant violations;
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In Cincinnati, Ohio, three significant violations were
found among 19 funeral homes inspected;
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In Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, six of
25 funeral homes inspected had significant violations;
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In Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Townsend, Montana,
three of 12 funeral homes inspected had significant
violations;
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In El Paso, Texas, six of 12 funeral homes inspected had
significant violations;
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In New Orleans and New Iberia, Louisiana, five of 22
funeral homes inspected had significant violations; and
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In Nassau County, New York, seven of 14 funeral homes
inspected had significant violations.
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In addition, the FTC identified several funeral homes
with only minor compliance problems. In this type of
situation, the FTC contacts the funeral home and
requires it to provide evidence that it has corrected
the problems.Since the Funeral Rule Offenders Program
began in 1996, the FTC has inspected more than 2,300
funeral homes and found that 362 were substantially out
of compliance with the Rule. |
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In conducting these enforcement sweeps, the agency
receives assistance from several state attorneys general
and the AARP. This year, the FTC wishes to thank
Louisiana Attorney General James D. Caldwell and
Tennessee Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr. and
their staffs for their invaluable assistance. |
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In addition to its law enforcement efforts, the FTC
educates consumers in English and Spanish about their
rights under the Funeral Rule, and provides guidance to
businesses in how to comply. During 2009, more than
150,000 consumers and businesses ordered copies of these
publications – “Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When
Buying Funeral Goods & Services,” “Funerals: A Consumer
Guide,” and “Complying with the Funeral Rule” – or
viewed them on the FTC’s Web site,
www.ftc.gov. |
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The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to
prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business
practices and to provide information to help spot, stop,
and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or
Spanish, visit the FTC’s online
Complaint Assistant
or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). |
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The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a
secure, online database available to more than 1,700
civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information
on a variety of
consumer topics. |
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Frank Dorman Office of Public Affairs 202-326-2674
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STAFF CONTACT:
Craig Tregillus Bureau of Consumer Protection
202-326-2970 |
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University Job Opening for Funeral Service Education
Program Director/Faculty |
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The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
accredited program at Arkansas State University-Mountain
Home seeks a full-time program director/faculty to start
the Fall 2010 semester. Responsibilities include, but
are not limited to: program director administrative
tasks, teaching class offerings, maintaining office
hours, advising of students on the funeral service
curriculum, and service to the university community. |
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Eligible candidates must hold a Master's degree
(preferred) or a baccalaureate degree with at least 15
hours toward a Master's degree from a regionally
accredited institution of higher learning; be a graduate
of an ABFSE accredited program of funeral service
(mortuary science) education; hold an unencumbered
license to practice funeral service in the state of
Arkansas or have the ability to reciprocate a license to
Arkansas. The applicant must have the ability to perform
actual embalming, restorative art, and funeral directing
procedures and must have education and experiences in
funeral service computer applications, regulations,
funeral service history, and funeral directing. Computer
efficiency and familiarity with distance education is a
must for this position; the candidate must also be
familiar with the following: Microsoft Word®, Power
Point®, emailing documents with attachments, internet
navigation, and an LMS (Blackboard, Moodle, Sakai,
etc.). A successful candidate having a baccalaureate
degree will be required to earn a Master’s degree from a
regionally accredited institution within 5 years of
start date. |
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Application packets must be received by 5:00 p.m. on
Thursday, April 8th. Please EMAIL a cover letter,
resume’, CV/transcript, and three letters of reference
to Melissa Brooks, Director of Human Resources, at
mbrooks@asumh.edu.
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Gene Ogrodnik, President & CEO of Pittsburgh Institute
of Mortuary Science is pleased to announce two
recipients of the Western Pennsylvania Funeral Directors
Association scholarship program. |
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Terry Tate is a native of Tyrone, PA and a graduate of
Edinboro University in 2009 where he majored in
psychology. A Dean’s List student at Pittsburgh
Institute of Mortuary Science, Terry will graduate with
the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in
September and plans on serving his internship with the
Richard H. Searer Funeral Home. |
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Beverly Ann Carp from Rowes Run, Pennsylvania started
college at Seton Hill University in Greensburg,
Pennsylvania before attending Pittsburgh Institute of
Mortuary Science. Ms. Carp is enrolled in the Associate
in Specialized Business Degree program and intends to be
licensed in Pennsylvania. |
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Many thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Funeral
Directors Association for their continued support of
funeral service education! |
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Funeral Service Program Opens
Updated Facility -
Read Article |
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Visit
the Death Notice for
Willie Maxine Perry
(Mother of Tyler Perry)-
View |
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CDC H1N1 Flu information for People with Diabetes
and Caregivers of People with Diabetes |
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5th District Educational
Seminar January 31st February 1st, 2010 |
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HEALTHCARE SECTOR COORDINATING COUNCIL CONFERENCE |
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CALL AFTER ACTION REPORT -
January 21, 2010 -
Click Here to View |
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A Joint Statement From: National Funeral Directors
Association; National Funeral Directors and Morticians
Association; Cremation Association of North America;
Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America;
Monument Builders of North America |
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Contact: NFDA: Jessica Koth, 262-814-1536, or Emilee High,
262-814-1547 NFD&MA: Gayle Graham,
502-458-6214 CANA: John Ross, 312-245-1077
CFSA: Mark Allen, 847-295-6630 MBNA: Kim
Fantaci, 800-233-4472 |
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The Treatment of Those Who Died in the Haitian
Earthquake |
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Brookfield, Wis. – The members of the National Funeral
Directors Association (NFDA), the National Funeral
Directors and Morticians Association (NFD&MA), the
Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the
Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America (CFSA)
and the Monument Builders of North America (MBNA)
express their heartfelt sympathies to those affected by
the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12. The
associations’ members also wish to express their deepest
concerns over the treatment of those who died in the
earthquake. |
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The Haitian government has taken control of the mortuary
response in Haiti and has neither asked for nor
authorized assistance from any government or private
organization. The heart-breaking images of those who
died being placed in mass graves are shocking, and the
members of NFDA, NFD&MA, CANA, CFSA and MBNA believe the
people of Haiti deserve better. They have lost so much
and are experiencing a variety of emotions as they
struggle to survive; seeing people who may be family or
friends being put in mass graves only compounds their
grief. |
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The associations are also worried about the fate of
American citizens and individuals with dual Haitian and
American citizenship who died in the earthquake. As of
January 23, the Department of State reports that the
identities of 45 American citizens who died in the
earthquake have been confirmed. However, thousands
remain missing. There are concerns that the remains of
these missing individuals may be placed in one of the
mass graves or may forever be lost in the rubble. The
news story “Relatives of Americans Missing in Haiti
Angry,” from The Washington Post (http://bit.ly/6snn87),
sheds light on the pain and anguish these families are
experiencing. |
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Said NFDA member Michael Gunderud, of Krowicki-McCracken
Funeral Home in Linden, N.J.: “The events in Haiti have
left many funeral directors eager to assist families
ship identified remains to the United States. We have
been called upon to fulfill a duty, yet remain helpless
in our efforts. Such a situation should be addressed
with aggressive action, and it [is] disheartening that
[I am] unable to perform the duty that I was called upon
to do.” |
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There is a tremendous willingness within the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty response
communities in America – both government resources, such
as Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams, and
private resources, such as the hundreds of funeral
directors who have volunteered to travel to Haiti – to
assist the Haitian government with the respectful
treatment of the dead. The members of the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty communities
are willing to help the Haitian government with all
those who died in the earthquake – regardless of
citizenship – so that, where possible, they can be
returned to their families for a dignified funeral,
burial and memorialization. |
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Funeral and deathcare professionals have stepped forward
in a number of natural disasters – from Hurricane
Katrina to the earthquake and tsunami that impacted
Southeast Asia – and have reunited thousands of families
with the remains of their loved ones, affording them the
opportunity to have funerals or memorial services. The
funeral service and memorialization community believes
it can do this for Haiti, and all nations that saw their
citizens die in the earthquake.
|
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Funeral directors are entrusted to care for the living
through the respectful and dignified treatment of those
who died. The outpouring of humanitarian relief from the
United States to the people of Haiti is to be applauded
and admired, for it is desperately needed; however, in
not taking swift action to care for those who died, this
country fails to offer a fully compassionate response.
|
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The members of NFDA, NFD&MA, CANA, CFSA and MBNA call on
those in the federal government who are leading this
country’s response in Haiti to take swift action by
urging the Haitian government to allow the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty response
communities in the United States and around the world to
assist with the respectful and dignified treatment of
those who died in the earthquake. |
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Please visit
www.nfda.org/haiti
for the latest news and information on the mortuary
response in Haiti. This Web page will be updated daily
or as new information becomes available. |
|
Funeral service professionals interested in volunteering
in Haiti may call the National Funeral Directors
Association at 800-228-6332. NFDA staff is collecting
contact information in order to keep interested parties
abreast of ways they might be able to assist the federal
government and funeral service professionals in Haiti,
should their service prove necessary. NFD&MA members may
call 800-434-0958 to place their name on their
association’s volunteer list. MBNA members may call
800-233-4472 to place their name on their association’s
volunteer list.
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From NFDA, NFD&MA and other Associations regarding the
Treatment of Remains |
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Tuesday, 26 January 2010 09:22 The members of the
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the
National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (NFD&MA),
the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the
Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America (CFSA)
and the Monument Builders of North America (MBNA)
express their heartfelt sympathies to those affected by
the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12. The
associations’ members also wish to express their deepest
concerns over the treatment of those who died in the
earthquake. |
|
The Haitian government has taken control of the mortuary
response in Haiti and has neither asked for nor
authorized assistance from any government or private
organization. The heart-breaking images of those who
died being placed in mass graves are shocking, and the
members of NFDA, NFD&MA, CANA, CFSA and MBNA believe the
people of Haiti deserve better. They have lost so much
and are experiencing a variety of emotions as they
struggle to survive; seeing people who may be family or
friends being put in mass graves only compounds their
grief. |
|
The associations are also worried about the fate of
American citizens and individuals with dual Haitian and
American citizenship who died in the earthquake. As of
January 23, the Department of State reports that the
identities of 45 American citizens who died in the
earthquake have been confirmed. However, thousands
remain missing. There are concerns that the remains of
these missing individuals may be placed in one of the
mass graves or may forever be lost in the rubble. The
news story “Relatives of Americans Missing in Haiti
Angry,” from The Washington Post (http://bit.ly/6snn87),
sheds light on the pain and anguish these families are
experiencing. |
|
Said NFDA member Michael Gunderud, of Krowicki-McCracken
Funeral Home in Linden, N.J.: “The events in Haiti have
left many funeral directors eager to assist families
ship identified remains to the United States. We have
been called upon to fulfill a duty, yet remain helpless
in our efforts. Such a situation should be addressed
with aggressive action, and it [is] disheartening that
[I am] unable to perform the duty that I was called upon
to do.” |
|
There is a tremendous willingness within the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty response
communities in America – both government resources, such
as Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams, and
private resources, such as the hundreds of funeral
directors who have volunteered to travel to Haiti – to
assist the Haitian government with the respectful
treatment of the dead. The members of the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty communities
are willing to help the Haitian government with all
those who died in the earthquake – regardless of
citizenship – so that, where possible, they can be
returned to their families for a dignified funeral,
burial and memorialization. |
|
Funeral and death care professionals have stepped
forward in a number of natural disasters – from
Hurricane Katrina to the earthquake and tsunami that
impacted Southeast Asia – and have reunited thousands of
families with the remains of their loved ones, affording
them the opportunity to have funerals or memorial
services. The funeral service and memorialization
community believes it can do this for Haiti, and all
nations that saw their citizens die in the earthquake.
|
|
Funeral directors are entrusted to care for the living
through the respectful and dignified treatment of those
who died. The outpouring of humanitarian relief from the
United States to the people of Haiti is to be applauded
and admired, for it is desperately needed; however, in
not taking swift action to care for those who died, this
country fails to offer a fully compassionate response.
|
|
The members of NFDA, NFD&MA, CANA, CFSA and MBNA call on
those in the federal government who are leading this
country’s response in Haiti to take swift action by
urging the Haitian government to allow the funeral
service, memorialization and mass-casualty response
communities in the United States and around the world to
assist with the respectful and dignified treatment of
those who died in the earthquake. |
|
Please visit
www.nfda.org/haiti
for the latest news and information on the mortuary
response in Haiti. This Web page will be updated daily
or as new information becomes available. |
|
Funeral service professionals interested in volunteering
in Haiti may call the National Funeral Directors
Association at 800-228-6332. NFDA staff is collecting
contact information in order to keep interested parties
abreast of ways they might be able to assist the federal
government and funeral service professionals in Haiti,
should their service prove necessary. NFD&MA members may
call 800-434-0958 to place their name on their
association’s volunteer list. MBNA members may call
800-233-4472 to place their name on their association’s
volunteer list |
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Kevin M. Weaver |
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California State Secretary |
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San Diego, CA |
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CFDEAINC@gmail.com |
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Flood Insurance: Dollars And Sense |
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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The figures are remarkable.
Since 1978, Arkansans with flood insurance have received
more than $54,493,544 in loss payments. In the last
fiscal year alone, the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) paid out 210 claims to state policyholders to the
tune of more than $2.6 million. |
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And this year, water-logged state residents with and
without flood insurance are faced with an enormous new
set of rebuilding and repairing costs after the severe
storms and flooding. |
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“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Kevin Hannes,
federal coordinating officer helping oversee disaster
recovery efforts. “But the most convincing case anyone
can make for purchasing NFIP insurance is the increased
peace of mind of knowing that you’ve protected your most
valuable investment and personal property.” |
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Flood insurance is available to any property owner or
renter located in a community participating in the NFIP.
Statewide, 402 Arkansas communities are enrolled in the
program. All areas are susceptible to flooding, although
to varying degrees; in fact, nationwide 25 to 30 percent
of all flood claims occur in the low-to-moderate risk
areas. |
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To get secured financing to buy, build or improve
structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) you
will be required to purchase flood insurance. Lending
institutions that are federally regulated or federally
insured must determine if the structure is located in a
SFHA and must provide written notice requiring flood
insurance. |
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Hannes said that misinformation and misunderstandings
were the main reasons why many residents failed to look
into obtaining flood insurance. |
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“It fills a huge gap in homeowner coverage at an
affordable cost,” Hannes said. “It also can cover a
renter’s personal property as well as some
nonresidential buildings such as farm and commercial
structures in participating communities.” |
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Hannes addressed other misunderstandings that often
arise: |
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Flood damage is not covered by homeowner policies. You
can protect your home, business and belongings with NFIP
insurance. You can insure your home with flood insurance
for up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for
your contents;
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You can buy flood insurance no matter what your flood
risk is. It doesn't matter whether your flood risk is
high, medium or low, you can buy flood insurance as long
as your community participates in the NFIP;
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In some cases there may be a 30-day waiting period
before the coverage goes into effect. Plan ahead so
you're not caught without flood insurance when a flood
threatens your home or business; and
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Federal disaster assistance is not the answer. Federal
disaster assistance is only available if the President
declares a disaster. More than 90 percent of all
disasters in the United States are not declared as
federal disasters. Flood insurance pays even if a
disaster is not declared.
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Nearly 21,000 communities across the United States and
its territories participate in the NFIP by adopting and
enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce
future flood damage. |
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NFIP loss claims are not paid for by the taxpayer, but
through premiums collected for flood insurance policies.
You can buy NFIP flood insurance through most major
private insurance companies and licensed property
insurance agents who sell homeowners’ or property
insurance or call the NFIP's toll-free line at
800-427-4661, (TTY/TD) 800-427-5593 for additional
information. |
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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first
responders to ensure that as a nation we work together
to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare
for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate all hazards. |
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Ike Survivors: Remember To Get Permits When Repairing
And Rebuilding |
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TEXAS CITY, Texas -- The Texas Division of
Emergency Management (TDEM) and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) remind residents and business
owners to get the appropriate building permits before
beginning any work on their property damaged by
Hurricane Ike. |
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“We can not emphasize more how important it is for
residents and business owners with storm-damaged
property to check with their local municipality’s
building departments before repairing, rebuilding or
elevating,” said State Coordinating Officer Ben
Patterson. “Start your repairs only after receiving all
the required permits.” |
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Permits may be required for work on removing or
replacing the roof, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster,
insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical
system, plumbing, heating or air conditioning and
elevating structures. Repair projects must meet
community building codes and ordinances. |
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“By issuing these permits, cities, towns and counties
can ensure that construction complies with applicable
codes for safety and future storm resistance,” added
Hurricane Ike Recovery Manager Brad Harris. “Residents
who are rebuilding need to know that permits are based
on local codes and ordinances that are enforced locally,
not by FEMA." |
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Permits assure residents and communities that all
proposed work complies with current codes, standards,
flood ordinances and recommended construction
techniques;
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Local permit offices can provide suggestions and
information on how to protect your home or business from
future disaster-related damages; and
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Permit offices may also provide consumers with
information on selecting licensed contractors and with
advice on protecting themselves from unscrupulous
contractors.
|
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Obtaining proper permits is especially important for
structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas, also
known as regulatory floodplains. When repairing and
rebuilding in these areas, local floodplain management
regulations must be followed. Building owners who decide
to rebuild may need to elevate or retrofit their
structures or change them in some way to comply and to
avoid future flood losses. |
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For more information, visit
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. |
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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first
responders to ensure that as a nation we work together
to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare
for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate all hazards. |
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|
Colleagues: |
|
I’m sure by now that you have heard that Governor Perdue
appointed Brian Kemp as the next Secretary of State.
Kemp who was a State Senator from 2002 to 2006, is a
current candidate for the office, which was left vacant
in late December when Karen Handel stepped down to
concentrate on the 2010 governor’s race. Kemp will serve
out the remainder of Handel's current term through the
end of 2010. He will also continue his campaign this
year and run for the full four-year term which begins in
2011. |
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Kemp is a small business owner, specializing in real
estate investments and property management, and serves
on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. In the
state senate, Kemp served as chairman of the Public
Safety and Homeland Security Committee, vice-chair of
the Higher Education Committee, secretary of the
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee and on the
Appropriations Committee. |
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Dana L. Lemon, Chairman - Government & Legislative
Affairs Committee |
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Dear Members: |
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In about 100 days, on April 1, the 2010 Census, the
nationwide head count, begins. It is critical for
African Americans, the second largest minority in the
nation — and one that has been historically undercounted
— to be counted. The once-in-a-decade census is vital to
the health and well-being of African-American
communities. Why? Because the census takes a snapshot of
the nation’s population and with that count determines
how many seats each state gets in the House of
Representatives and where district lines are drawn
within each state — not to mention the distribution of
more than $400 billion in federal funds to states and
localities annually. These federal funds provide money
for schools and roads, for health care for low-income
children, for veterans and senior citizens and for
public services that benefit our communities. Equally
important, census information is also used to monitor
and enforce civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. |
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That’s why African Americans can’t afford to be
indifferent to the census. In 2000, African Americans
were undercounted at the highest rate of any group
except Latinos, costing communities hundreds of
millions of dollars in federal funding. Many in the
African-American community didn’t participate in the
census in the past because they didn’t understand why
the government was asking for information or they were
afraid that the information would be used by credit
agencies or landlords. This fear and concern is natural,
but by law, all census data is confidential. No one —
not landlords, not employers, not credit agencies, not
law enforcement, not even the president of the United
States — has access to your personal census data. |
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The Census Bureau has already begun working with
organizations in the African-American community to help
ensure that everyone in our community understands and
participates in the 2010 census. As leaders in our
communities, I think it is critical that funeral service
professionals support and participate in this extremely
important process. If we have not, we need to develop
and distribute information to our membership and
encourage them to get involved with the 2010 Census.
Much of this information is available on the census
website (www.2010.census.gov)
and we simply need to direct our membership to its
location or include it on our respective websites. In
addition, the US Census is asking for organizations to
partner with them in this effort. 2010 Census Partners
are government, non-profit, corporate or community
organizations that have formally pledged their
commitment to share the 2010 Census message and mobilize
their constituents in support of the Census Bureau's
goal of achieving a complete count. There are forms to
complete and information to distribute to our membership
as part of this effort. Again, I strongly encourage our
organizations to complete the necessary documentation to
become 2010 Census Partners. |
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African Americans need an accurate count. Too much is at
stake. Taking 10 minutes on April 1 to fill out a census
form and mail it back is worth it. Achieving a complete
and accurate 2010 Census is in all of our hands.…Dana
Lemon |
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NFD&MA congratulates one of its former Youth as he
succeeds in his professional career. |
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Max Starks Named Steelers 2009 Walter Payton Man of the
Year |
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PITTSBURGH — Max Starks is not only an important
part of the Steelers’ success on the field, but he is
also a strong member of the team’s involvement in the
community. For his efforts, Starks has been named the
Steelers 2009 Walter Payton Man of
the Year. |
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Starks will be one of 32 NFL teams’ Man of the Year
winners who qualifies for the league’s national 2009
Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The award
recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as
well his playing excellence. The overall winner will be
announced during Super Bowl XLIV Week in Miami. |
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Starks knows the value of education and wants to do his
part to ensure that today’s youth are prepared for the
future with a proper education. He established the Max
Starks Fund, through the Pittsburgh Foundation, to
promote childhood literacy and education. |
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Another cause near and dear to Starks’ heart is raising
funds and awareness for breast cancer as his mother,
Elleanor, is a 17-year breast cancer survivor. In 2009,
for the third year in a row, he and his mother co-hosted
Adagio Hot Pink Pittsburgh, which raises funds to
provide breast and cervical cancer screening for
uninsured women in Western Pennsylvania. As part of the
NFL’s October Breast Cancer Awareness initiative, he
also participated in a healthy cooking class at Magee
Women’s Hospital with breast cancer patients and has
visited patients going through treatment. |
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Another cause near and dear to Starks’ heart is raising
funds and awareness for breast cancer as his mother,
Elleanor, is a 17-year breast cancer survivor. In 2009,
for the third year in a row, he and his mother co-hosted
Adagio Hot Pink Pittsburgh, which raises funds to
provide breast and cervical cancer screening for
uninsured women in Western Pennsylvania. As part of the
NFL’s October Breast Cancer Awareness initiative, he
also participated in a healthy cooking class at Magee
Women’s Hospital with breast cancer patients and has
visited patients going through treatment. |
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Starks hosts the annual Hoge/Starks/Ward golf outing to
benefit the Caring Place, with teammate Hines Ward and
former Steelers running back Merril Hoge. Proceeds
benefit families in western Pennsylvania by raising
funds to provide free grief support services for
children, adolescents and their families struggling with
the death of a parent, sibling or loved one. |
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Each year he hosts the Max Starks & the Home Team
Thanksgiving Food Drive, which benefits the Greater
Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. In addition to a food
drive, Starks provides a turkey and all of the fixings
for Thanksgiving dinner for 200 families in need. |
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“I think it’s important to do this because the name
speaks for itself – it’s Thanksgiving and it is giving
thanks,” said Starks. “Any way we can help the less
fortunate have a better holiday is the biggest thing.
It’s always good when you can help people in the
community.” |
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Starks has a strong appreciation for the men and women
in the United States military and took part in an NFL
USO Tour during the 2006 offseason, a 12-day tour of
military bases in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. He
visited with servicemen and women, including plenty of
Steelers fans. In addition Starks has visited the VA
Hospital in Pittsburgh, spending time with the veterans
there. Starks also participated in Pro vs. G.I. Joe
which links active duty soldiers in Iraq with their
favorite athletes. |
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Starks never turns down an opportunity to take part in
numerous team activities, including Salvation Army’s
Project Bundle-Up, Steelers Fright Night for the
Homeless Children’s Fund and Animal Friends and the
team’s annual fashion show. |
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Look out for the next issue of the SCOPE. Send in
your articles and stories about what’s going on in your
funeral home, cemetery and your community. Send all
information to
thescope@nfdma.com |
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