WASHINGTON – As part of his commitment to help residents of Cumberland, Robeson, and Bladen counties recover from Hurricane Matthew, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is encouraging local youth to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council.

“First-hand experience with a disaster such as Hurricane Matthew provides you with valuable insight that can help FEMA better prepare for and respond to the next disaster,” said Congressman Pittenger. “This is a great opportunity for students in Robeson, Bladen and Cumberland to positively use their Hurricane Matthew experience to help people in other communities. Joining FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council will connect local students with other young leaders from across the country who share a commitment to serving others.”

FEMA is currently accepting applications from students in grades eight through 11 who are:

— Engaged in community service

— Interested in emergency preparedness

— Committed to a two-year term with youth leaders and FEMA staff as a Council member

Applications are due March 31. Those interested should visit the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council website at Ready.Gov/Youth-Preparedness-Council.

Last year, Congressman Pittenger helped secure more than $300 million in disaster recovery assistance funding, which will be used in part to buy out flooded properties, elevate homes above flood level, or rebuild. Residents of Bladen, Cumberland and Robeson who need assistance with FEMA or other federal disaster assistance programs are encouraged to contact Congressman Pittenger’s office at 910-303-0669, or stop by his office locations in Fayetteville, Lumberton and Elizabethtown.

Pittenger
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Staff report