FEMA External Affairs Bulletin Week of March 30, 2015

Seal of the Department of Homeland Security

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS BULLETIN

Week of March 30, 2015

View as Webpage | Subscribe

In this Edition:

Important Dates & Deadlines

April 1 - Whole Community Approach to Building National Resilience Webinar

Whole Community Approach to Building National Resilience Webinar

April 7 -- Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Listening Session in Dallas, Texas

Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Listening Session in Dallas, Texas

April 7 -- Emergency Management Institute’s 2015 National Training and Exercise Symposium Registration Deadline

2015 National Training, Education, and Exercise Symposium Registration Deadline

April 11 - Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Application Deadline

Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Application Deadline

April 16 -- National Preparedness Goal Open Comment Period Deadline

National Preparedness Goal Open Comment Period Deadline

April 17 - Fiscal Year 2014 Fire Prevention & Safety Application Deadline

Fiscal Year 2014 Fire Prevention & Safety Application Deadline

April 24 -- Notice of Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Emergency Management Performance Grant

Notice of Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2015 Emergency Management Performance Grant

April 24 -- FEMA Senior Executive Service Office of Response and Recovery Application Deadline

FEMA Senior Executive Service Office of Response and Recovery Application Deadline

April 30 -- National PrepareAthon! Day

National PrepareAthon! Day

May 6

Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Draft Implementing Guidelines Open Comment Period Deadline

National Engagement Period for the National Preparedness Goal

The National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) sets the vision for preparedness nationwide and identifies the core capabilities necessary to achieve that vision across the five mission areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal, released in 2011, sets the vision for preparedness, “a secure and resilient Nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk,” and identifies the core capabilities necessary to achieve the Goal.


Building on the work from the past several years, FEMA is coordinating the refresh of the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal. This refresh of the Goal focuses on discrete, critical content revisions. The lessons learned from implementing the Goal and recent events, as well as the findings of the National Preparedness Report will help to inform the refresh of the Goal. Additionally, the content of the National Preparedness Goal will be examined to identify potential edits necessary to ensure alignment with recently released directives and policy (e.g., PPD-21, PPD-25, Executive Order 13636–Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity).


FEMA requests feedback on the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal. The comment period closes Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Please visit www.fema.gov/ppd8 to review proposed updates to the Goal, and download the feedback matrix. All comments should be submitted via email to PPD8-Engagement@fema.dhs.gov using the provided matrix.


The National Preparedness Goal Proposed Changes (in the order in which they appear in the document) are:

• Screening, Search, and Detection (Prevention and Protection) – definition updated.

• Access Control and Identify Verification (Protection) – definition updated.

• Physical Protective Measures (Protection) – definition updated.

• Risk Management for Protection Programs and Activities (Protection) – definition updated.

• Environmental Response/Health and Safety – definition updated.

• Fire Management and Suppression (Response) – new core capability.

• On-scene Security and Protection (Response) – retitled as On-scene Security, Protection and Law Enforcement.

• Public and Private Services and Resources (Response) – retitled to Logistics and Supply Chain Management; definition updated.

• Mass Care Services (Response) – definition updated.

• Public Health and Medical Services (Response) – retitled to Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency Medical Services; definition updated.

• Health and Social Services (Recovery) – definition updated.


In the coming months, the National Planning Frameworks and Federal Interagency Operational Plans will also be refreshed to reflect the changes to the National Preparedness Goal. The refresh of the Goal is scheduled to be finalized by June 2015.


Notice of Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Emergency Management Performance Grant

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate announced the release of the FY 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program. The FY 2015 EMPG Program provides over $350 million to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

 

Delivering core capabilities requires the combined effort of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government. The FY 2015 EMPG Program supports efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery mission areas.

 

Under the Stafford Act, FEMA is authorized to make grants to bolster emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States. The Federal government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, guidance, and assistance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards and for all levels of government.

 

The notice of funding opportunity can be found at www.grants.gov. EMPG applications are due no later than April 24, 2015.  Final submissions must be made through the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants system located at https://portal.fema.gov.

 

Further information on DHS’s preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and www.fema.gov/grants.


April Deadline Approaching for FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute’s 2015 National Training, Education, and Exercise Symposium

FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is preparing for the 2015 National Training and Exercise (NT&E) Symposium. The symposium, which takes place May 19-21, 2015, at EMI in Emmitsburg, Maryland, provides federal, state, tribal, and territorial training and exercise officials the opportunity to discuss current and future training and exercise programs and to share case studies, lessons-learned, and smart practices. Applications for registration must be received by April 7, 2015.


The symposium also provides a platform to communicate changes to current capabilities and to introduce new FEMA policy and doctrine. Each year at the NT&E Symposium, presenters discuss current and future training and exercise programs and initiatives which impact the federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and non-government sectors. The symposium provides an instructional, participatory environment for emergency management training and exercise officials to engage their peers from across the country, as well as interact with FEMA leadership.


This year, the presentations include an overview of The National Center for Campus Public Safety and a separate panel discussion on school safety initiatives. Influenced by the risk-driven, capabilities-based approach, these initiatives use information and understanding of risks to build and sustain preparedness. When communities understand the risks that are unique to them, they are better able to do identify new ways to lessen the effects of threats and hazards.

 

In response to findings in the 2014 National Preparedness Report, there will be a presentation on using EMI's new state and local recovery courses to address capability gaps in long-term recovery. There is a separate curriculum available for tribes. Addressing another national capability gap, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cyber Exercise and Planning Program will present “Cyber Exercises 101,” explaining why and how to plan, conduct, and evaluate cyber security exercises.


In addition, the Symposium will highlight enhancements in EMI’s training delivery approach, including changes to the Emergency Management Professional Program, and a briefing on EMI’s Virtual Tabletop Exercise Series Program.


Animals impact public health and safety during disasters. Animal issues are relevant to all five mission areas of the National Preparedness Goal. The Department of Agriculture’s presentation “Animals in Disaster” will provide strategies, practices, and tools to address capability gaps in animal emergency management.


In addition to the array of presentations, EMI will also be offering five pre-symposium courses. These one-day courses will be taught by the members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) and the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC).


For more information about the NT&E Symposium, visit www.training.fema.gov/nte or contact the EMI National Training Liaison Dan Lubman at 301-447-1364 or daniel.lubman@fema.dhs.gov.


State Mitigation Plan Review Guide Factsheet Now Available

In early March 2015, FEMA announced the release of the State Mitigation Plan Review Guide (“Guide”). Starting March 6, 2016, the Guide will be FEMA’s official policy on the natural hazard mitigation planning requirements at Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 201, and FEMA’s interpretation of federal regulations for state hazard mitigation plans, inclusive of the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The Guide is available from the FEMA library.

 

State, local, and tribal governments engage in the mitigation planning process to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and establish a long-term strategy for protecting people and property in future hazards events. State mitigation plans are one of the conditions of eligibility for certain FEMA assistance, such as Public Assistance Categories C-G and Hazard Mitigation Assistance mitigation project grants. States are required to update the state mitigation plan every five years.


Whole Community Approach to Building National Resilience Webinar

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan will give remarks at the "Weather-Ready Nation & America's PrepareAthon!: Whole Community Approach to Building National Resilience" webinar on April 1, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. EDT. Webinar topics include how to promote seasonal safety campaigns and how to participate in America's PrepareAthon!.

 

Those interested in participating in the webinar can register online. For more information about America's PrepareAthon!, visit www.ready.gov/prepare.


Now Available! Third Edition of FEMA’s Publication, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms

FEMA’s Building Science Branch presents the recently updated FEMA P-361, "Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms." The publication will also be featured at this year’s National Hurricane Conference held March 30 – April 2, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Among other activities at the conference, FEMA will promote the use of safe rooms through a workshop discussing the updates to the new publication.


FEMA P-361 provides the most current, up-to-date guidance on constructing a safe room that provides near-absolute protection from the deadly winds and windborne debris associated with extreme-wind events for its occupants. The information presented in FEMA P-361 is the culmination of many years of post-disaster investigations into the performance of safe rooms and storm shelters during tornadoes and hurricanes.

 

FEMA grant programs have provided approximately $985 million in federal funds towards the design and construction of nearly 25,000 residential and 2,000 community safe rooms in 25 states, tribes, and territories. This investment aligns with FEMA’s strategic goal to support disaster resilience and the ability of our local communities to withstand and recover rapidly from disasters. All safe rooms constructed with FEMA grant funds must adhere to the FEMA recommended criteria described in FEMA P-361 and the requirements as described in the most current edition of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Unified Guidance. To review or download the most current HMA Unified Guidance, visit www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.


FEMA’s Building Science Branch develops guidance that supports communities in becoming safer by reducing loss of life and property and becoming more disaster-resilient. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/building-science.


National Flood Insurance Program Rate Changes Effective April 1

As part of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) and Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12), FEMA continues to take important steps to implement changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as called upon by the 2012 and 2014 flood insurance reform legislation. These reforms slow some flood insurance rate increases and offers relief to some policyholders who experienced steep flood insurance premium increases in 2013 and early 2014.

 

In October of 2014, the NFIP’s flood insurance rate structure and business practices were further revised to implement certain provisions of the new reforms and take effect for new business and renewals beginning on and after April 1, 2015.

 

Through the NFIP, FEMA provides the opportunity for homeowners, renters, and business to purchase flood insurance for financial protection from flooding. FEMA also works with communities to update and develop flood maps to inform the community of their current flood risk. These actions allow community members to take important steps to prepare for flooding risk in their area.


For detailed information on program changes please see the April 1, 2015 Program Changes Fact Sheet or visit www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/flood-insurance-reform.


Senior Executive Service Postings for FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery

FEMA recently posted three Office of Response and Recovery Senior Executive Service opportunities on USAJobs: Director, National Disaster Recovery Planning, Office of Federal Disaster Coordination; Assistant Administrator, Response Directorate; Deputy Assistant Administrator, Recovery Directorate. To review the posting and complete an application, please visit www.usajobs.gov. The deadline to apply is April 24, 2015.


FEMA Represents Emergency Preparedness at United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

FEMA Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness Tim Manning co-led the United States delegation to the third United Nations (UN) World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The FEMA delegation also included Office of Federal Disaster Coordination Director, Jonathan Hoyes; Office of Disability Integration and Coordination Director, Marcie Roth; and Office of Policy and Program Analysis International Relations Specialist, Kimberly Hayward.


The conference brought together heads of state, government officials, non-governmental experts, and other specialists from around the world to discuss a shared commitment to disaster risk reduction and its impact on people affected by natural disasters.

 

With agreement, the participants of the conference established the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. The world conference incorporated explicit actions toward a disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction framework and its implementation, organized in alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for Social Policy and Development in collaboration with global partners.


Members of the delegation spoke at several events throughout the conference, including the World Meteorological Event on Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems, the R3ADY Asia-Pacific Event, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development event, a public forum sponsored by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) called “Taking Action Toward a Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) Framework and Its Implementation”, and a U.S. led workshop on disaster risk management activities in the United States.

 

Deputy Administrator Manning also conducted official bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Norway, as well as side bar meetings with heads of delegation from Slovenia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Mexico, and Chinese Taipei to discuss disaster risk reduction opportunities, successes and challenges.

 

Marcie Roth spoke at several events throughout the conference, including the Disability Stakeholder Meeting, a working session on “Proactive Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction for All,” and the UN-DESA public forum on the DiDRR framework.


REMINDER: Fiscal Year 2014 Fire Prevention & Safety Application Period Now Open

The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The FY 2014 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) application period is open until April 17, 2015 at 5 p.m. EDT.


REMINDER: 2015 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

The application period for the 2015 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is open until April 10, 2015. The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, stronger, better prepared, and more resilient.

 

To be considered for this year’s awards, all submissions must be received by April 10, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and must feature program activities taking place between January 1, 2014, and April 10, 2015. Applications should be submitted to citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov.


REMINDER: Register for a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Listening Session

FEMA and federal partners are providing a series of listening sessions on the implementation guidelines of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). These sessions provide the opportunity to learn more about the Standard, ask questions, and provide feedback on how federal agencies implement the Standard. Upcoming sessions will be held in Dallas, Texas; with additional sessions to be announced soon. Listening session dates and locations are available online.


Due to space constraints of the facilities, seating may be limited. To reserve a seat in advance, please provide a request via email at least three days in advance with the contact information of the participant (including name, mailing address, and e-mail address), and the meeting to be attended to FEMA-FFRMS@fema.dhs.gov and include the subject/attention line: Reservation Request for FFRMS. For anyone attending the meetings who is hearing or visually impaired, or who requires special assistance or accommodations, please also contact FEMA-FFRMS@fema.dhs.gov.


The deadline to comment on the draft version of Implementing Guidelines has been extended until May 6, 2015. Questions and comments may be submitted to FEMA-FFRMS@fema.dhs.gov.