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Leadership Message
Save the Date: 2019 National Public Assistance Readiness Stand-Down
I am pleased to announce that the Recovery Directorate will be hosting the first of its kind, National Public Assistance Readiness Stand-Down on Aug. 20-22, 2019. This is a nationwide, all-hands event for Public Assistance personnel who are located throughout FEMA operations. Employees will receive critical, current information to support the delivery of Public Assistance grants during this hurricane season, and all current and future declared events.
Public Assistance is one of the largest infrastructure grant programs in the federal government. Therefore, it is imperative that we pause and invest in our staff that are supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners across the nation. Equipping Public Assistance personnel with the latest policy information and lessons learned will ensure increased efficiency in customer service, project worksheet development, documentation collection, and ultimately, improve the delivery of funds to communities in need.
The schedule includes a combination of interactive and online working sessions and open discussions with senior leaders. The sessions will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET daily at every FEMA facility and field office with Public Assistance personnel.
Please forward any questions to the FEMA Recovery PA HQ Executive Office. Please note ‘Readiness Stand-Down’ in the subject line.
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Program News
FEMA Conducts National Test of the Emergency Alert System
Today at 2:20 p.m. ET, FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a test of the Emergency Alert System through television and radio stations across the nation.
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is important to public safety because officials need to be sure that they can get urgent, life-saving alerts to the public in times of an emergency or disaster.
This year’s test is designed to evaluate the readiness of the national alerting capability in the absence of internet connectivity. FEMA will not be testing the Wireless Emergency Alert system at this time.
In the event of a real-world condition such as a severe weather delay, the IPAWS test for today will be rescheduled for Aug. 21.
FEMA Attends 2019 Unidos US Annual Conference
 FEMA attends 2019 Unidos US Annual Conference in San Diego
FEMA Region 9 Community Preparedness Officer Tarek El-Amine and Regional Preparedness Liaison Vincent Martinez attended the 2019 Unidos US Annual Conference in San Diego, California from August 2-5 to reinforce preparedness messaging.
The Unidos US Annual Conference is one of the largest, trusted, nonpartisan voice for Latinos and serves as a meeting ground for thousands of community leaders, activists, and volunteers; elected and appointed officials; members of the corporate, philanthropic, and academic communities; college students; and youth from across the county.
FEMA’s participation supports the strategic goal of creating a culture of preparedness through conversations with the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.
Information and resources to our Latino partners and organizations helps facilitate action to adapt to and withstand an emergency or disaster at the local level. Acquired knowledge and skills empower individuals to contribute to and benefit from preparedness initiatives in their own communities.
FEMA Holds Risk Roundtable
Resilience and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) hosted a FEMA-wide Risk Roundtable on July 31.
A continuation of the Risk Roundtable held March 18, 2018, the purpose of the roundtable was to raise awareness on FEMA’s value of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), the draft ERM Framework, risk management efforts, and to plan future risk collaboration opportunities.
The roundtable session also provided greater insight into agency's approach to becoming a more risk-aware organization as well as the employee’s role in improving the dialogue about organizational risks and how to best prioritize and manage those risks. Proper risk management requires buy-in and support from senior leadership to help everyone achieve a positive outcome.
Representatives from Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Policy & Program Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Grant Programs Directorate, Office of Response & Recovery, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration and Guidehouse-Risk Consulting provided a presentation on risk assessments.
The discussion resulted in a better understanding of how to analyze and address risks within the Agency through ERM.
Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Visits Region 9
 Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske visiting Region 9
Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske visited FEMA Region 9 on July 31. He met with regional leaders to discuss disaster threats, ongoing operations, catastrophic planning, and hazard mitigation activities.
“During my career, I have seen FEMA’s influence grow, and I credit the agency’s leadership and employees,” said Pekoske. “FEMA has such a positive impact on the American people.”
During the visit, Pekoske also walked around the office to visit individually with employees to thank them for their work.
2019 Youth Preparedness Council Summit Held
 Youth Preparedness Council members with Acting Administrator Pete Gaynor
FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) held its annual summit July 16-17 at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington D.C. The summit brought together returning and new YPC members for a week of networking, building leadership and communications skills, and having fun in the process. Acting FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor gave a speech followed by a question and answer session. Assistant Administrator Alex Amparo spoke in a closing session.
The YPC was created in 2012. Each year, it brings together 15 young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and want to make a difference in their communities. Members complete disaster preparedness projects to fit their community’s needs. This year’s YPC includes seven returning and eight new members.
YPC members serve on the council for two years and work on a team project. The teams focus on youth preparedness education, citizen responder programs, and financial preparedness. Members also meet with FEMA personnel to give feedback on strategies and programs. Here’s what they’re planning:
- The YPC team will develop a plan to promote the Ready 2 Help card game.
- The Citizen Responder team will build a plan to promote and sustain an upcoming school-aged trauma training programs focused on providing lifesaving skills to teenagers and young adults.
- The Financial Preparedness team will help develop graphics and research to promote youth financial preparedness.
FEMA Podcast Episode 43: Live from the 8th Annual Building Resilience through Private-Public Partnership Conference in Washington D.C.
 On this episode, the FEMA podcast speaks with leaders from private sector partners in disasters, to examine best practices among all sectors from recent disasters, and to discuss the opportunity for the private sector’s continued support to build a culture of resilience.
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.
News You Can Use
Mobile Security Alert: iOS 12.4 Update Required by Aug. 13
When you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, update your iPhone and iPad to iOS 12.4 by following these step-by-step instructions. The iOS update must be performed prior to Aug. 13 to prevent interruption of service. If you are in the field and have limited bandwidth, please visit a Joint Field Office or Branch Office with strong Wi-Fi connectivity to perform the update. You must update all your FEMA applications before updating your device.
Every employee has a responsibility to maintain his/her assigned devices, including installing updates to comply with DHS 4300A: Sensitive Systems Handbook. Please visit the iFEMA Updating Apps and iOS page on the FEMA Intranet for additional information including instructions and technical aids. If you need assistance, please contact the FEMA Enterprise Service Desk at 1-888-457-3362.
Know your Occupant Emergency Plan
The Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) prepares FEMA employees to respond to a fire or other emergency. Employees are encouraged to review the Occupant Emergency Plan to understand the steps to take in the event of an emergency at work. All FEMA employees should:
- Become familiar with the Occupant Emergency Guide, posters, & other materials.
- Locate and remember Exit and Shelter-in-Place Signage
- Treat drills and all alarms as though they are an actual emergency.
- Be familiar with accountability procedures.
- Follow instructions of Occupant Emergency Team members.
Occupant Emergency Team members are volunteers who receive training in emergency procedures. During an emergency, they will help you evacuate your building. If you have not received OEP employee training (covering procedures for emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place events, etc.), contact your facility’s Occupant Emergency Coordinator (OEC), your supervisor, or your local FEMA safety official.
For more information, visit the Employee Emergency Preparedness and Environmental, Safety, & Health intranet pages.
Deployment Travel Tips: Rental Cars
New to deployment travel? If your deployment has authorized the use of a rental car, make sure you are receiving the proper coverage and rate for your rental car! The Government Administrative Rate Supplement (GARS) provides FEMA responders with benefits like theft insurance and liability provisions. You are responsible for making sure that GARS coverage has been added to your rental agreement, and any damages or theft connected to a rental car that does not have GARS coverage will become your responsibility.
The easiest way to ensure that you have GARS coverage is to book your rental car reservations through Concur (1-866-333-1898) or National Travel (1-800-294-8283). This will ensure that whichever rental car company you use participates in the Defense Travel Management Office US Government Car Rental Agreement and provides you with the above protections.
For more helpful FEMA travel dos and don’ts, visit the intranet.
Reminder: Inclusive Diversity Council Applications Due Soon
The deadline to apply to the Inclusive Diversity Council (IDC) is Aug. 12. The IDC continues the work and initiatives of the Diversity Management Advisory Council, and will create new strategies and initiatives to help FEMA become a more diverse and inclusive organization.
- The IDC will serve as an advisory board to the Office of Equal Rights (OER) and the Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer (OCCHCO) leadership on matters relating to diversity, inclusion and employee engagement and serve as a resource and advocate for the FEMA Employee Resource Groups.
- OCCHCO and OER will select 20 FEMA employees to be a part of the IDC.
- To apply, visit the IDC intranet page. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact FEMA-Reasonable-Accommodation@fema.dhs.gov. The Council is scheduled to start in Oct. 2019.
This Week is FEMA Cares Wellness Week
This week, FEMA is hosting Wellness Week. Events provide resources for stress management, mental health, financial management, physical fitness, and healthy eating.
There are health and wellness events and activities being held until Aug. 9 that are designed to help improve your work environment: in the office and on deployment. Please visit the Safety, Health and Wellness Toolkit for resources available all year such as CPR classes, vaccination resources and other safety information.
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Employee Spotlight
FEMA Employees Recognized for their Efforts
 An award medal (left) and a framed award certificate are presented to External Affairs Yasmine Austria (upper right) and Kathy Mann (lower right). Also pictured are 4399-FL Chief of Staff Luletha Cheatham (upper right, lower right) and FCO T.J. Dargan (lower right).
Federal Coordinating Officer T.J. Dargan and field leadership recently honored FEMA employees deployed to DR-4399 in Florida who best exemplify FEMA’s Core Values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect in their interactions with survivors, partners and fellow employees. Since June, 15 employees supporting Hurricane Michael efforts in Florida have been recognized for their efforts.
“The idea of the Core Values Award originated during a disaster recovery in Washington state during a breakout session with our team and state partners.” Dargan said.
Dargan said that during a discussion of ways to improve the culture and atmosphere at the Joint Field Office, Frank Butler, a former Public Assistance employee came up with the idea of the award and the selection criteria.
“FEMA employees need to continually self-assess how we each interact with our partners, each other, and most importantly with survivors," Dargan said. "These interactions always begin with compassion and are respectful and positive.”
Employees honored with the Core Values Award include: Audrey Pullman, Individual Assistance; Loren Johnson, Security; Gary Blakeney, Logistics; Jose Martinez, Planning; Yasmine Austria and Kathy Mann, External Affairs; Diana Brown, Godwin Davidson, Diane Hensley, Frances Onuoha, Jason Perry, Sarah Reynolds, Debbie Stiltner, Kiarah Turner and Nancy Wyld, Integrated Recovery Coordination Mission Support.
Reservist Connection
Communication Procedures for Reservists
FEMA aims to foster clear, consistent lines of communication between Reservists and other parts of the Agency to ensure all employees have the information they need to be successful. The following is a list of available communications resources for Reservists to know who they can contact to address concerns.
Cadre Management Team
The first and primary point of contact for all Reservists is their Reservist Program Manager (RPM). RPMs support Cadre Coordinators who manage the incident workforce cadres and oversee all aspects of day-to-day Reservists management including staffing, training, qualifying, and performance of the cadre and its members. They are also responsible for communicating with the individual employees of their cadre as changes in policy or procedure affecting the incident workforce occur, and/or if an incident requiring the deployment of a large portion of the cadre takes place.
FEMA Ombuds
The FEMA Ombuds address issues that arise from unfair or improper application of FEMA policies, practices, and procedures. The FEMA Ombuds may bring systemic concerns regarding all FEMA employees to the attention of agency leadership. Systematic issues identified by the Ombuds may form the basis for recommended changes or suggestions to leadership on FEMA policies, instructions, procedures and/or practices to improve the effectiveness of the FEMA workforce. The FEMA Ombuds and can be reached at 1-855-OMBUDS1 (1-855-662-8371).
Reservist Advisory Board (RAB)
The RAB facilitates direct communication between the Reservist community and senior leadership. While Board members voice concerns common to Reservists, they do not replace the role of the Cadre Coordinator or adjudicate individual employee issues. All Reservists are encouraged to provide feedback on policies or agency initiatives to RAB members, so they can be considered during the course of board meetings. Board members can be reached at FEMA-RAB@fema.dhs.gov.
Workforce Coordination Branch (WCB)
The WCB serves as a coordination element for Reservists and Cadre Coordinators, particularly on issues pertaining to the FEMA Qualification System, time and attendance, travel vouchers, and other operational support services as required. They are available Monday - Friday to handle questions pertaining to incident workforce issues and can be reached at 855-377-3362.
Workforce Management Division (WMD)
WMD oversees the management and readiness of the Reservist program and coordinates enterprise-wide communications regarding Reservist issues. Working with the Office of Chief Counsel, Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer, and Office of Equal Rights, WMD provides guidance and direction to cadre management personnel on the various policies and procedures affecting the Reservist workforce. WMD routinely responds to issues and concerns of Reservists that cannot be addressed through other venues. If such an issue arises, Reservists should contact the Cadre Support Section at FEMA-WMDCadreSupport@fema.dhs.gov
Do you Know your Cadre Coordinator?
A Cadre Coordinator oversees all aspects of day-to-day cadre management including staffing, equipping, training, qualifying and performance of the cadre and its members. Visit the FEMA intranet for a list of FEMA’s Cadre Coordinators.
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In Memoriam
Andrew Hubert
Urban Search and Rescue Branch program specialist Andrew “Andy” John Hubert passed away on July 27, 2019. Whether it be his tenure with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, his work on the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team during Hurricane Sandy response, or his recent contribution to the FEMA US&R mission, Andy demonstrated a passion for and dedication to the emergency management community and profession. His drive to serve people during their time of greatest need demonstrated true embodiment of our Agency’s mission and he will be greatly missed.
FEMA honors and appreciates Andy’s service to the Agency and to this Nation.
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About FEMA Weekly
The FEMA Weekly is produced by the Office of External Affairs and published each Wednesday. All FEMA employees are encouraged to submit stories, upcoming events and announcements; of particular interest are stories about our values, guiding principles and mission in action. Please submit articles for consideration to FEMA-Employee-Communications.
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