FEMA Bulletin Week of February 1, 2021

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FEMA BULLETIN

Week of February 1, 2021

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In this Edition:

Important Dates & Reminders

Feb. 9

Incident Complexity Guide webinar at 3 p.m. ET. 


Feb. 12

Applications period for Assistance to Firefighter Grants program ends at 5 p.m. ET.


Feb. 12

Incident Complexity Guide national engagement period ends at 5 p.m. ET.

FEMA Co-Hosts Building Codes Webinar

 

The Natural Hazards Center and FEMA will host a webinar “Building Codes Save: The Data Behind a Nationwide Effort to Reduce Hazard-Related Property Loss.” This webinar, scheduled at 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 9, is part of the University of Colorado Boulder’s National Hazard Center’s Making Mitigation Work series. 

 

During the webinar, you will learn more about FEMA’s November 2020 study “Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study.” A panel of experts will discuss:

 

  • How stronger building codes could save billions of dollars in property damage.
  • The quantifiable effect of hazard-resistant building codes in reducing losses.
  • How the results can be used to incentivize hazard-resistant code adoption.

 

Visit the Natural Hazards Center page to register for the event.

 

You can also view past Making Mitigation Work webinars featuring one-hour presentations by innovative speakers on topics related to mitigation policy, practice and research.


FEMA Seeks Feedback for Typing Documents

 

The FEMA National Integration Center is seeking public feedback on resource typing definitions. The 30-day national engagement period will conclude at 5 p.m. ET on March 2.

 

The national engagement period provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the draft documents to ensure that they are relevant for all implementing partners. The resource typing documents includes a Urban Search and Rescue Incident Support Team and a Fixed Wing Search/Team Disaster Reconnaissance.

 

These resource typing documents will facilitate the sharing of deployable resource types at all jurisdictional levels. To provide comments on the drafts, complete the feedback form on FEMA.gov and submit the form to fema-nims@fema.dhs.gov no later than 5 p.m. ET on March 2, 2021.


FEMA Seeks to Grow its Workforce

 

FEMA is participating in several free hiring events for public servants and the general community. Eligible applicants are encouraged to join an event to explore federal career opportunities.

 

Recover Coordination Program Federal Internship and Employment Virtual Fair

 

HOST: Operation War Fighter Program

  • 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET, Feb. 3
  • Audience: Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, Military
  • If you would like to participate, email the FEMACorps team.

 

Fairfax County Virtual Expo: Serve in Retirement Info Session

 

HOST: Virginia Jewish Council on Aging

 

Vets 2 Industry Military Spouse Virtual Networking Event

 

Virtual Employment Expos 50+

 

HOST: Jewish Council on Aging

 

FEMA Recruitment Presentation for Virginia Employment Commission

 

HOST: Jewish Council on Aging

 

Those interested in participating in the recruitment events should email the FEMA recruitment team for more information and event details.


FEMA Vaccine Support Webpage is now Available

Vaccine Snip

 

In coordination with the White House COVID-19 Response Plan, FEMA is working with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to deliver vaccinations across the country. As part of these efforts, FEMA has made vaccine support information available on FEMA.gov. The webpage includes information on:

 

  • How you can get vaccinated.
  • FEMA support for vaccine distribution.
  • The accelerated state vaccine efforts.
  • Identifying and filling resource gaps.
  • Supporting and establishing vaccine sites.

 

While the country is still in the initial phases of the vaccine distribution plan, it is still encouraged to follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations on the pandemic.


FEMA Extends Emergency Non-Congregate Sheltering Assistance

 

FEMA announced the extension of the interim Emergency Non-Congregate Sheltering during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency policy until June 30. This policy affirms FEMA’s commitment to protect the public health by reimbursing state, tribal and territorial governments’ cost share of providing non-congregate sheltering to displaced disaster survivors.

 

Typically, displaced disaster survivors are sheltered in congregate facilities with large open spaces, such as schools, churches, community centers or similar facilities rather than in non-congregate environments. Non-congregate shelters are living spaces that offers some level of privacy such as hotels, motels or dormitories. FEMA recognizes sheltering operations during a pandemic public health emergency may require states, tribes and territories to consider additional strategies to ensure that survivors are sheltered in a manner that does not increase the risk of exposure to or further transmission of COVID-19. After a Stafford Act declaration, states, tribes and territories may be eligible for reimbursement of costs associated with non-congregate sheltering.

 

The original non-congregate sheltering policy was scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2020. However, due to the continuing need to protect public safety during the pandemic, FEMA has extended this policy until June 30, 2021.

 

In addition to extending the timeframe for consideration of reimbursement for non-congregate sheltering, the updated interim policy includes supplementary guidance clarifying criteria for:

 

  • Processing time extension requests.
  • Identifying specific data.
  • Reporting information necessary to assist in the effective management and eventual transition of sheltered populations into other forms of recovery assistance.
  • Identifying specific work and cost eligibility requirements.

 

FEMA regularly reviews program policies and guidance to ensure that state, local, tribal and territorial partners have the best guidance available and to ensure the appropriate use of federal funding. FEMA is committed to continuing to support the American people in responding to the pandemic.


FEMA Updates to Flood Insurance Bulletin are now Available

 

FEMA updated two technical bulletins for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The bulletins provide guidance on complying with NFIP minimum floodplain management requirements for building performance. The bulletins are intended for use by state and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing building codes and floodplain regulations.

 

The updated technical bulletins includes information from the latest International Codes and American Society of Civil Engineers Standards.

 

A summary of each technical bulletin includes:

 

  • Guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofing of non-residential and non-residential portions of mixed-use buildings. Read the full Technical Bulletin 3.
  • Guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofed below-grade parking areas. Read the full Technical Bulletin 6.

 

For more information, the full list of the program's technical bulletins are available on FEMA.gov.


Upcoming Deadlines and Reminders

National Dam Safety Technical Seminar

 

Registration is open for the 28th Annual National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar, “Risk Informed Decision Making and Benefit Cost Analysis for Dam and Levee Projects.”  This seminar will be held virtually on FEMA Adobe Connect from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on Feb. 16 - 19. Participants encouraged to apply include all dam and levee safety professionals, including public and private dam owners/operators, dam safety engineers, land use planners and emergency management officials.

 

Visit the Emergency Management Institute website to register for this seminar.

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FEMA Seeks Feedback on Incident Complexity Guide

 

The FEMA National Integration Center is seeking feedback on the 2021 NIMS Incident Complexity Guide: Planning, Preparedness and Training. This national engagement period will conclude at 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. National engagement provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the draft document ensuring that it is relevant for all implementing partners.

 

To provide comments on the drafts, complete the feedback form and submit the form to the FEMA National Integration Center.

 

To review this document, visit FEMA.gov.

 

The National Integration Center will host a 60-minute webinar to discuss the NIMS Incident Complexity Guide and answer related questions. The webinar is open to the whole community. Advance registration is required due to space limitations. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click on the webinar session below.

 

 

If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please provide details in the Disability Related Accommodations field on the registration page, or contact the FEMA National Integration Center.

 

Please make accommodation requests as early as possible. Late requests will be accepted, but they may not be possible to fulfill.

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Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period Open

 

The funding notice for the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA fiscal year 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is available. The application period for nearly $320 million in funding will remain open until 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 12.

 

FEMA released the notice of funding opportunity for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program on Dec. 29. The notice and technical assistance documents for this program are available at Grants.gov and on FEMA.gov. Additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants is also available on FEMA.gov.

 

Any applicants requiring assistance should visit that website, send an email to the FEMA AFG Program Help Desk or call (866) 274-0960.

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FEMA is Accepting Youth Preparedness Council Applications

 

The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The online application process opened on Jan. 18 and students must complete their applications by 11:59 p.m. PT on March 7. 

 

If you know a teen interested in preparedness and community service, encourage them to apply

 

To learn more about the Youth Preparedness Council, visit Ready.gov.

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FEMA Announces $35 Million for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

 

The funding notice has been released for $35.5 million to support the 2020 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. These grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, which support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The application period for the program closes at 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 28.

 

The notice of funding opportunity is available at www.grants.gov. For more information on the Fire Prevention and Safety grants, go to FEMA.gov.

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