FEMA announced the annual funding opportunity for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) is now open. The application period will
close at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 26.
The FY 2018 AFG program will award $315 million to
enhance the safety of the public and firefighters against fire-related deaths
and hazards.
FEMA awards AFG funding to fire departments, non-affiliated
EMS organizations, and state fire- training academies. FEMA also awards
funding to nonprofit organizations with experience and
expertise in fire prevention, fire safety programs and activities,
or firefighter research and development programs.
Since 2002, FEMA has
awarded $7.4 billion in fire grants. Historically, 84 percent of awards go
towards purchasing personal protective equipment, vehicles and other
operational equipment.
Applicant tools, including the Notice of Funding
Opportunity, and information about application webinars are available at www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.
The AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity is also available at www.grants.gov.
FEMA, in
coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a
nationwide test of Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency
Alert System (EAS) on Oct.3.The WEA portion of the test commences
at 2:18 p.m. EDT, and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The test will
assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a
national message and determine whether improvements are needed.
The WEA test message will be sent to cell phones that are
connected to wireless providers participating in WEA. This is the fourth EAS
nationwide test and the first national WEA test.
The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous
weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell
phones. The national test will use the same special tone and vibration as with
all WEA messages (i.e. Tornado Warning, AMBER Alert). Users cannot opt out of receiving
the WEA test. The WEA test message will have a header that reads
"Presidential Alert" and text that says: “THIS IS A TEST of the
National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
The EAS is a national public warning system that provides
the President with the communications capability to address the nation during a
national emergency. The test message will be similar to regular monthly EAS
test messages with which the public is familiar.
For more information, go to the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System National Test page
at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test.
Personal financial planning helps families prepare for emergencies. Take time during this
last week of National Preparedness Month to increase your level of disaster preparedness, and especially your financial
preparedness.
Saving can be a
tall order for some, but in an emergency, a lack of financial preparedness
could leave you and your family with fewer options for immediate relief. Set aside money in an emergency savings fund for
initial out-of-pocket costs including gas, food, and hotel accommodations to
provide safety, comfort, and distance during a disaster.
Remember to:
- Complete
an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit and digitizing important documents (e.g. medical
records, ID, insurance, etc.) in case they are needed following a disaster.
- Consider
the cost of insurance deductibles.
- Keep
cash on hand in the event of power outage when electronic payments are not
available.
Be ready for the unexpected. This week, create
or add to your emergency savings and encourage others (family, friends,
neighbors, and colleagues) to save for a disaster too. Being financially prepared should be
incorporated in your personal preparedness plan.
FEMA appreciates the support of the Members of Congress who are
serving as 2018 co-sponsors for National Preparedness Month.
Throughout September, the FEMA
Bulletin will feature statements from these
members.
Senator Gary C. Peters, Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency
Management
“Over the last
year, Michiganders have experienced extreme flooding and severe weather that
damaged roads, businesses and homes. In response to these life-altering events,
I’ve seen how prepared communities and increased investment in risk management
resources lead to faster, stronger recovery efforts. National Preparedness
Month serves as an important reminder for everyone in our communities to take
action now to prepare for possible emergencies.”
Representative Dan Donovan, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee
on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications
“Our nation knows all too well the widespread devastation
natural disasters and terrorist attacks bring. While we can’t always control
when a disaster will strike, we can take steps to ensure our families are
better prepared for emergency situations. September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s the perfect time to get ready for the unexpected. Become
informed, draft a plan, create a kit, and talk to your loved ones. Taking these
small steps will make our communities stronger, safer, and more resilient.
Let’s work together and prepare now.”
Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, Ranking
Member, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
“Catastrophic wildfires have burned hundreds of
thousands of acres of California over the last 12 months. Hurricanes Harvey,
Irma, and Maria killed thousands of people and caused widespread devastation.
When danger approaches, being prepared can mean the difference between life and
death. As we observe National Preparedness Month this September, every American
should take some time to make sure they're prepared for a broad range of
emergencies, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, power outages, acts of
terrorism, and wildfires. I encourage every Californian – and every American –
to proactively take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their
families, friends, and loved ones against disasters of all types.”
Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member, Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology
"Research shows
that across the country fire seasons are becoming longer and strong storms more
frequent. Last year, thousands of Americans lost their lives, homes, and
livelihoods due to extreme weather events and natural disasters, including some
of my fellow Texans. I am happy to join FEMA during National Preparedness Month
in encouraging individuals and communities around the country to take time to
create a plan now that can help keep themselves, their families, and their
neighbors safe in the event of an emergency. It’s important to remember that
simple preparations can save lives.”
FEMA announced the Fiscal Year 2018
Homeland Security National Training Program Continuing Training
Grants Program (HSNTP/CTG) award recipients:
- The University of Arkansas System Criminal Justice Institute
(cybersecurity programs);
- Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness (awards
for both housing and economic recovery programs); and
- The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky (tribal and
rural preparedness programs).
The highest priority of the HSNTP/CTG is
to develop and deliver a national, specialized training program to first
responders, homeland security/emergency management officials, and/or citizens,
supporting the building,
sustainment, and delivery of the core
capabilities identified in the National
Preparedness Goal.
Total funding for Fiscal Year 2018 is $8
million and will be administered by FEMA’s
National Training and Education Division.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance External Stakeholder Working Groups Applications: FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Division membership applications for the HMA External Stakeholder Working Group (ESWG) are due Sept. 28. The purpose of the ESWG is to gain insight, share information, and understand HMA priorities and issues from external stakeholders. FEMA encourages external stakeholders to share their perspectives on HMA priorities, issues, and program resources. The ESWG serves as a bridge between FEMA HMA staff and state, local, tribal, and territory stakeholders. Members act as points of contact for other external stakeholders by gathering inputs, requests, ideas, and suggestions for HMA. HMA is seeking applications for the following vacant membership positions: two FEMA HMA Regional staff representatives; one state / territory representative; one local / regional representative; and one federally recognized tribal representative. Interested applicants should complete and submit an application via email to FEMA-HMA-GRANTS-POLICY@fema.dhs.gov. The application is available for download at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/126699. Feel free to pass this message along to others who may also be interested and would like to submit an application.
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