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FEMA released “Improving Public Messaging for Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place” research findings and recommendations for emergency managers. These findings will inform community members about risk and will provide additional strategies for evacuation and shelter-in-place messaging.
FEMA examined more than 120 published peer-reviewed articles to answer five essential research questions drawn from the Protective Action Decision Model. This research will help emergency managers understand the complexities in individual and household decision-making and frame messaging to counteract potential impediments to action.
FEMA identified published peer-reviewed research to the following research questions:
- How do environmental and social cues affect individuals’ attention and response to evacuation and sheltering-in-place guidance?
- How do warning messages, information sources and channels affect the message receiver’s beliefs and behaviors?
- What individual and family characteristics affect beliefs and behaviors relative to evacuation and sheltering-in-place guidance?
- How do awareness and perceptions of different threats and hazards affect decision-making?
- What are the impediments to positive behavioral response? What situational factors tend to support public response to evacuation and sheltering-in-place guidance?
In addition to the report, FEMA created a companion slide library. These slides can be used by state, local, territorial and tribal partners to highlight this research in their presentations and outreach. These resources enhance the guidance provided in FEMA’s “Planning Considerations: Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place, Guidance for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Partners.”
The recommendations include strategies for emergency managers as preparedness measures and response operations. The findings and guidance may help to increase individual compliance of authoritative evacuation and shelter-in-place communications.
FEMA published its quarterly report about the financial state of the National Flood Insurance Program. “The Watermark,” which is inclusive for the period of Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2020, highlights current flood insurance claims, policyholder statistics, fund resources and expenditures.
The Watermark is a quarterly report that provides transparency on the financial state of the National Flood Insurance Program. This report provides information about the program to interested groups and individuals, such as policyholders, industry partners and government officials.
Two feature stories included are a summary of the Flood Insurance Advocate, a video project and an update from the Federal Insurance Appeals Branch. The appeals branch continues to improve customer experience and efficiency.
The Resilient Nation Partnership Network will host the “Next Generation of Resilience” Student Showcase on April 28. During the first student showcase, four students will present their work and research supporting the priorities of the group:
- Promoting natural hazard mitigation actions.
- Advancing equitable resilience initiatives.
- Expanding capacity through partnerships.
All student work will also be featured in the May edition of the Resilient Nation Roundup newsletter. Partners, resilience professionals and students nationwide are invited to attend this 90-minute event. Participants can provide feedback, ask questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue across diverse resilience disciplines. There will be time at the conclusion of the presentations to network and discuss work experience, career paths and resume building, along with general questions across the resilience sector.
Register through Eventbrite to attend the student showcase. For questions or additional information, email FEMA-ResilientNation@fema.dhs.gov or visit the Resilient Nation Partnership Network webpage on FEMA.gov.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $510 million to Emergency Food and Shelter Program. This includes $400 million for local social service organizations aiding the hungry and homeless population and $110 million for organizations providing humanitarian assistance to migrant families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security.
The application period for the $110 million to organizations that provided or will provide services to individuals and families at the southern border began Monday. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations and government agencies that provide shelter, food, transportation, basic heath and first aid, COVID-19 testing and associated medical care needed during quarantine and isolation, and other supportive services may apply.
Organizations will be able to view application guidance for the $110 million in humanitarian relief funding for to assist migrants encountered by the Department of Homeland Security on the Emergency Food and Shelter Program website.
FEMA’s National Exercise Division has developed exercise starter kits with sample documents to assist organizations in planning and conducting tabletop exercises aligning with the updated National Exercise Program 2021-2022 Principal's Strategic Priorities. FEMA will host six webinars for whole community exercise practitioners over the next month.
Each starter kit contains a sample of a facilitator and evaluator guide, situation manual conduct slides and a placemat for customization by the end user.
The webinars will introduce the new exercise starter kits, providing stakeholders with an overview of the kits along with how to use them.
The webinars are scheduled for:
- 2 p.m. ET, April 26.
- 7 p.m. ET, May 4.
- Noon ET, May 12.
- 5 p.m. ET, May 20.
- 1 p.m. ET, May 28.
- 9 a.m. ET, June 7.
Each webinar will present the same content, and a recording will be made available later on FEMA.gov.
Visit the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Webinar webpage to register.
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National Hurricane Program to Host Online Training
To prepare for the 2021 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Program is offering a three-day online training. The training will cover hurricane hazards, hurricane forecast products, forecast uncertainty and informed decision-making. Classes are available to anyone who has, or can obtain, a HURREVAC account.
The training will be from:
- 1 to 4 p.m. ET on May 4 - 6.
Register in advance for the webinar and provide your occupational details.
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FEMA to Host a Webinar for National Qualification System Engagement Period
FEMA is seeking public feedback for the National Qualification System implementation objectives. This national engagement period will conclude at 5 p.m. ET on May 13. National engagement provides an opportunity to comment on the draft implementation objectives to ensure they are relevant for all implementing partners
FEMA will host a webinar to discuss the draft implementation objectives and answer related questions. The webinar is open to the whole community. Advance registration is required and on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Webinar 2: 3 p.m. ET on April 22.
To review the draft National Qualifications System implementation objectives and for additional webinar information, visit FEMA.gov.
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