“Over the past two years, we led this Nation through the toughest series of disasters ever experienced – our mission spanning half the globe. Through all of that, we also worked to improve and transform the field of emergency management.”
                                                               -FEMA Administrator Brock Long

As Administrator Brock Long prepares to depart FEMA, here’s a brief look back at a few highlights during his tenure. Long presided over the redesign of the Agency’s strategic plan and the passage of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act which:

• Acknowledges the shared responsibility of disaster response and recovery
• Aims to reduce the complexity of federal disaster programs
• Highlights the importance of mitigating critical lifelines before disaster strikes
• And seeks to build the nation’s capacity for the next catastrophic event

In the last two years FEMA responded to more than 220 declared disasters which included two historic hurricane seasons and numerous wildfires. In addition to building the foundation for the future of emergency management through the adoption of the agency’s strategic plan and Community Lifelines, Long also established himself as an authentic leader and consummate communicator. During the major disasters of 2017, he inspired FEMA employees with his series of almost daily FEMA in Action emails, which were well received across the agency. Long’s last day at FEMA is Friday, March 8.

Following a disaster or incident, decision-makers must quickly assess impacts to critical services within a community and prioritize stabilization efforts. A lifeline enables the continuous operation of government functions and critical business and is essential to human health and safety or economic security. Lifelines also integrate preparedness efforts, existing plans and identify unmet needs to better anticipate response requirements. Each of the seven lifelines are comprised of several unique components.

Poster image of Lifelines
Community Lifelines Toolkit

The latest episode of the FEMA podcast describes changes to the National Response Framework (NRF) that include adding an additional Emergency Support Function and the implementation of Community Lifelines.

The National Response Framework serves as a national guide for how we as a country respond to all types of disasters and emergencies. It helps employees understand what we do, how we do it and why.
As a result of lessons learned from the 2017 hurricane and wildfire season, FEMA is updating the NRF. The FEMA Podcast is an audio program series available to anyone interested in learning more about the Agency, hearing about innovation in the field of emergency management, and listening to stories about communities and individuals recovering after disasters.

FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The program brings teens together from across the country who are interested in community preparedness. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades 8 through 11, including the children of FEMA employees, are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Youth interested in applying to the Council must submit a completed application form, provide two letters of recommendation and their academic records. All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PST, March 31. New council members will be announced in May. To access the application materials, or to learn more about the Youth Preparedness Council, visit www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

The transition from JPMorgan Chase to Citibank bankcards is scheduled for 12 a.m. ET, March 28. All FEMA cardholders should continue to use their JPMorgan cards for authorized, official business purchases through on March 27.
Most Citibank cards should have been delivered by now. Cardholders must activate their cards immediately upon receipt.

Cardholders who have not received their cards should contact Citibank Customer Service at 800-790-7206 to inquire about shipment and delivery details. If the Citibank Customer Service representative is unable to assist, please ask to speak to a supervisor. More information about the transition and bankcard program, including how to check on the shipment and delivery status of your card and a list of program contacts, can be found on the Bank Card Transition Page.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is offering travel policy training upon request. The Travel Toolbox is a quick reference guide that provides tools and resources to support employees before, during and after they travel.

FEMA Manual 122-1-1, the Travel Policy Manual issued by OCFO in Sept. 2015, contains in depth, additional information for traveling employees. To request a briefing, please email: FEMA-TravelPolicy@fema.dhs.gov and enter Travel Policy Briefing Request in the subject line.

The flu vaccination is still available at no cost to FEMA employees. One vaccine provides protection against four different strains of the flu. Not receiving the vaccine increases the risk of getting yourself and your coworkers sick.

Headquarters Location 500 C St. SW, 7NW-0905 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET. For employees located at disasters, regional offices & other FEMA Facilities, flu vaccinations are available at local Federal Occupational Health Clinics. Contact your on-site Disaster Safety Officer or Facility Safety Official or visit the FEMA Health Clinic webpage for more information.

FEMA Forward is a monthly e-publication that publishes stories and announcements about FEMA employees, events, activities, opportunities for education and training, and calendar events. Submissions to FEMA Forward should be direct and concise (approximately 100 words or less). Submissions should contain an identifiable message focused on updates, information, and stories related to the FEMA mission and aligned with FEMA’s core values of compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect. Articles and announcements must be submitted by noon on the 25th of each month to FEMA-Forward@fema.dhs.gov, to be included in the next issue.