 Wailuku, Hawaii (Aug. 12, 2023) - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Hawaii Josh Governor Green, the U.S. Fire Administration and other partners survey Maui wildfire damage on the island to identify ways that FEMA and federal agencies can provide relief to the island.
FEMA has deployed more than 380 FEMA personnel and more than 190 search and rescue team members. Deployed personnel include 100 Disaster Survivor Assistance staff visiting Red Cross shelters on Maui to help survivors register for assistance and report any critical needs.
FEMA is sending additional personnel to Hawaii to support wildfire recovery efforts. Personnel are working closely with state, local, and federal partners and private entities to develop temporary shelter and housing solutions. In the coming days, FEMA will set up a joint disaster recovery center where survivors can speak to FEMA specialists, get in touch with voluntary organizations and have access to other federal and state resources.
FEMA recognizes the broad diversity of affected residents and is collaborating closely with state and local agencies to ensure FEMA's efforts are conducted with appropriate cultural sensitivity, including the availability of materials in languages spoken by those in need.
Our heartfelt condolences and support go out to all affected residents. Together, we stand united, recognizing the diversity and resilience of the affected communities as we work towards recovering and rebuilding. As response and recovery efforts continue, Hawaii residents and tourists should continue to monitor instructions from local authorities.
To learn more about the Hawaii Wildfires response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s Hawaii Wildfires webpage.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, President Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Hawaii as a result of wildfires occurring Aug. 8 and continuing.
Survivors may be eligible to stay in an approved hotel or motel for a limited time if they cannot return to their damaged primary residence. Help may be available for temporary housing, home repairs and low-interest disaster loans.
FEMA has received more than 3,400 valid registrations under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. We encourage all residents to register by:
- Going to Disaster Assistance.
- Calling 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
- Using the FEMA App.
People with limited phone and internet access can register with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff in person at shelters.
Survivors may also be eligible for financial assistance for immediate or critical needs including life-saving and life-sustaining items including, but not limited to water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation. Hawaii Governor Green and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) launched the Hawaii Fire Relief Housing program aimed at immediately connecting Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires with property owners with vacant housing. Find program application forms on HHFDC’s website.
Those trying to locate family or loved ones can visit:
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Maui County Emergency Management Agency’sFamily Assistance Center at the Kahului Community Center.
- Residents with phone access can also call the Red Cross at 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), select option 4, then follow the voice prompts for "Hawaii Wildfires”. It is best to send a text instead of calling for locations with connectivity.
When applying for assistance, have the following information ready:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are not staying.
- Your social security number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the Hawaii wildfires. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance visit, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For information on Hawaii’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4724. Follow FEMA at twitter.com/femaregion9 and at facebook.com/fema.
As federal, state and county emergency responders increase their presence in Hawaii, they join forces with non-profit partners to begin addressing the immediate needs of survivors affected by the devastating wildfires.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell are in Hawaii meeting with state and local officials, as well as first responders and volunteers who have helped save lives since the fires began.
“The firefighters in Maui County are to be commended for their heroic firefighting efforts,” said Dr. Moore-Merrell. “As the fire quickly out-paced suppression efforts, they kept fighting even as many of them have lost their homes. As I talk with them during our station visits, they are extremely passionate about remaining on duty, while being encouraged to take appropriate rest for their own physical and mental well-being.”
DVIDS: DVIDS - Video - B-Roll of Hawaii Wildfire (dvidshub.net)
YouTube: https://youtu.be/XGiI3TeuEh8
 Wailuku, Hawaii (Aug. 12, 2023) - U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell (right) speaks with Wailuku Fire Chief Bradford Ventura concerning the ongoing response to the Hawaii wildfires and working with FEMA and our federal partners.
 Maui, Hawaii (Aug. 13, 2023) - The first of 32 generators arrive at the FEMA staging area in Maui.
FEMA will host a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 16 in celebration of 2023 FEMA Partnerships Reimagined.
The webinar is a part of a series that celebrates the power of collaborative relationships in emergency management providing an opportunity for FEMA and non-government organization partners to engage with each other and enhance their mutual understanding of disaster assistance resources, capabilities and mechanisms.
The webinar is co-hosted by FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and by the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. It will cover:
- A panel discussion among public, private and nonprofit organizations.
- Resources, tools or examples of practices that highlight different approaches.
- The National Disaster Attorney Guidebook.
- Contact information and how to stay connected.
Webinar Information:
- Topic: Legal Considerations for Achieving Equitable Recovery
- Date: Aug. 16, 2023
- Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: ZOOM
- Meeting ID: 160 872 7359
- Passcode: VOISE
- Closed Captioning ID: 11527
On Aug. 9, 2023, FEMA reactivated its Public Assistance Validate As You Go (VAYGo) process to improve the agency’s grants management internal controls. The reactivation comes after a pause in April 2022 to conduct listening sessions with stakeholders and identify ways to enhance the VAYGo testing process.
With the reactivation, Public Assistance grant recipients now have access to a comprehensive VAYGo implementation guide that is key to assessing payment error rates and mitigating them before project closeout. This payment review process complies with statutory improper payment review and reporting requirements, and potentially reduces project closeout documentation requirements for recipients with effective internal control processes through the VAYGo Closeout Benefit.
The closeout benefit will be available to recipients who achieve and maintain low error rates during their yearly VAYGo testing cycles for two consecutive years. These qualified recipients will not have to submit all the associated financial documentation that is required in the standard closeout process, considerably streamlining their project lifecycle. The benefit only applies to large projects for hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and all large projects for disasters declared in fiscal year 2020 and forward, including COVID-19. To close these projects, qualified recipients will only need to submit a certification that a financial reconciliation has been performed and that costs align with the project’s approved scope of work.
For additional information, visit fema.gov.
FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council have partnered with global brand ZAG Heroez and its animated series Miraculous™ on a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to increase awareness for emergency preparedness among children across the nation.
The initiative will incorporate the superhero characters from the globally popular animated TV series Miraculous™ - Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and the recently launched animated blockbuster Miraculous™: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie.
In the animated series and movie, secret superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir must put their planning skills to good use to defend Paris from evil forces. In the Ready Campaign PSAs, the characters show families that you don’t need to be a superhero to use good planning skills to be prepared. The initiative includes billboards and bus shelter advertising, as well as 30 and 60 second PSAs that will air in donated media throughout the country.
The Ready Campaign messaging includes a four-step approach to preparedness:
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Be informed about different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate protective actions.
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Make a family emergency plan including information on how to reconnect and reunite.
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Build emergency supply kits to ensure preparedness whether at home, at work, or in the car.
- And to get involved by finding opportunities to support community preparedness.
“With the extreme weather threats we face today, we must empower children to play an important role in disaster preparedness, and that starts by meeting them where they are,” said Administrator Criswell. “With the popularity of superheroes like Ladybug and Cat Noir at an all-time high, we can leverage these trusted messengers to engage America’s youth on ways to keep their families safe when disaster strikes.”
Television stations can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on ready.gov/videos. To extend the reach of the campaign, @Readygov twitter, Ready Instagram accounts and Ready Facebook page will use the PSAs to encourage the public to get prepared for emergencies.
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Help support and protect your community by getting involved in the National Flood Insurance Program’s 2023 hurricane season campaign.
Often individuals tend to believe that flooding is a problem that occurs in distant locations or affects other people exclusively. However, this misconception must acknowledge the widespread nature of flooding incidents that can happen anywhere.
Wherever rainfall occurs, the risk of flooding looms. Even a mere one inch of water can result in approximately $25,000 worth of damage. Individuals with flood insurance policies find peace-of-mind in knowing they are protected during hurricane season.
Over the past four years, hurricanes have brought about flooding that surpasses the average levels. This year, we anticipate a continuation of this trend as hurricanes have been intensifying in recent years, and consequently, the expenses associated with recovery have escalated.
Use your social media channels to let people know they can protect their homes or businesses with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is crucial to remember that most homeowners’ policies do not cover the damage caused by floods. Find resources on floodsmart.gov to share with your social media channels and use the hashtags #FloodSmart and #FloodInsurance to join the conversation.
Whether you own or rent a home, use free-or low-cost solutions to protect your belongings and get a flood insurance policy today. Anyone interested in buying a policy can take action by finding an insurance provider on floodsmart.gov.
Remember it may take up to 30-days for the NFIP policy to go into effect unless the coverage is mandated it is purchased as required by a federally backed lender or is related to a community flood map change.
On Aug. 30, FEMA will host a webinar on how to develop effective observations for After-Action Reviews (AAR) through the agency’s Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program. This webinar will assist organizations in how they can develop successful observations in real-world incident AARs.
During this webinar, FEMA will equip participants with valuable techniques to craft operative and validated AAR observations, including a review of each element of an observation from topic sentence to recommended actions.
The development of reliable observations helps to ensure AARs are supported by evidence and will help establish a foundation for developing recommended AARs that focus on addressing underlying issues and root causes. This webinar will emphasize the purpose of reliable AAR observations to ensure lessons learned are properly identified to improve future response and recovery efforts.
The webinar primarily targets state, local, tribal and territorial partners, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other entities involved in emergency management functions engaged in continuous improvement efforts.
The webinar will be virtual from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. To register, please visit the webinar's event page on FEMA.gov and click the "Register Here" button. If an issue arises while registering or logging in, email FEMA-CITAP@fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA Hosts Webinars on #SummerReady to Promote Heat Preparedness
To raise awareness and preparedness for extreme heat, FEMA introduced its inaugural #SummerReady campaign. As part of this initiative, FEMA will host two webinars throughout the summer for state, local, tribal and territorial officials to assist stakeholders in promoting preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events. The first webinar was held July 12, and the second webinar will be held on Aug. 16.
The webinars will highlight the collaborative endeavors across several federal agencies to address and tackle this issue. During the webinars, FEMA will identify specific types of hazard mitigation projects that can effectively combat extreme heat. Interested parties are encouraged to visit FEMA’s event page to access the recording of the previous webinar and the link to the upcoming webinar.
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Upcoming Webinars Highlight the New Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Exercises Guide
FEMA recently released the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Exercises (IDEA) Guide to help exercise developers expand preparedness and planning efforts to mitigate risk across the whole community. Community resilience is enhanced by identifying diversity across dynamic communities and including all stakeholders, particularly those from underserved communities.
FEMA will host webinars open to all partners that include state, local, tribal and territorial emergency managers, private sector, non-governmental organizations and members of the public interested in learning more about how to increase inclusivity, diversity, equity and accommodations throughout the exercise lifecycle. Exercise practitioners and planners are especially welcome. All webinars will cover the same content.
The webinar dates are:
- Tuesday, Aug. 22 – 10 a.m. ET
- Wednesday, Aug. 30 – 2 p.m. ET
- Thursday, Sept. 7 – 5 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, Sept. 12 – 9 a.m. ET
For more information, see Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Guide Webinars | FEMA.gov or contact HSEEP@fema.dhs.gov.
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Take the Survey to Help Improve the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program
In June, FEMA launched a survey for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) stakeholders. Survey results help inform continuous improvement of the BRIC program and offer benefits to process improvements across FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
The survey asks participants about their experiences with all aspects of the BRIC grant program from project development to submitting grant applications that will help enable FEMA to better meet stakeholder needs in the future.
FEMA will conduct an in-depth analysis of all feedback and publish a summary report with all of its findings in 2024.
The deadline for all submissions is Thursday, Aug. 31. Take the survey at FEMA.gov or Survey Monkey to submit feedback.
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FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Oct. 4 -Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Oct. 4.
The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones and will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.
FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.
The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.
The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.
This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).
All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:
- Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
- For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."
- Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. IPAWS helps ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, with the alerts being accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.
Important information about the EAS test:
- The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
- The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: "This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.
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DHS Announces Additional $374.9M in Funding to Boost State and Local Cybersecurity
DHS announced the availability of $379.4 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program .Award recipients may use the funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel and improving their services that citizens rely on daily.
The program is jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FEMA. CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use the funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel and improving the services that citizens rely on daily.
State and local governments have until Oct. 6 to apply for this FY23 grant opportunity. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit FEMA's webpage: State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | FEMA.gov.
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