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Last week, FEMA’s Ready Campaign launched the 20th annual National Preparedness Month, which is recognized each September.
The wildfires in Hawaii and Hurricane Idalia are reminders of the importance of preparedness. Disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere and its vital for individuals, families and communities to prepare for them.
On Aug. 31, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued a National Preparedness Month proclamation, acknowledging the importance of building a nation more prepared and resilient in the face of more frequent and severe disasters the country has endured in the last few years.
FEMA and the Ready Campaign are honored to partner with this year’s Congressional co-chairs to spread the message of preparedness. We thank this bi-partisan team for their work keeping Americans safe.
Congressional Support for National Preparedness Month
Correction: The previous Sept. 12 Bulletin edition incorrectly attributed the following congressional quotes.
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Chairman Sam Graves of Missouri, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
“Disaster can strike at any time and place, from our coastal communities to the plains of the Midwest to every corner of the United States. While we can’t predict every disaster, we can always have a plan and be prepared. September is National Preparedness Month, serving as a critical reminder that we must be ready year-round to protect our homes, communities, businesses, and loved ones from the devastation caused by disasters of all types. I encourage all Americans to take advantage of the disaster preparedness resources and guidance from FEMA and other state and local emergency officials."
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U.S. Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
“From tornadoes to intense heat waves, natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more expensive due to climate change. Seniors and minority communities are especially vulnerable. Raising awareness of their needs and having an equitable approach are vital components of disaster mitigation and recovery,” said Rep. Titus. “National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity for people nationwide to plan, prepare, and protect their communities from future disasters. As Ranking Member of the House subcommittee that oversees FEMA, I’m proud to uplift its good work and promote its efforts to step in at such critical times to help rebuild lives shattered by disaster.”
FEMA announced the initial designation of 483 census tracts, eligible for increased federal support in bolstering resilience against natural hazards and extreme weather worsened by the climate crisis. Congress directed FEMA to implement the bipartisan Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022, aiding at-risk communities in building resilience due to climate-related hazards.
FEMA designated Community Disaster Resilience Zones to direct and manage financial and technical assistance for resilience projects, including increased cost-share for hazard mitigation projects in designated zones. Collaborating with agencies, such as the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), future funding opportunities can invest in projects to enhance community resilience. Zone designations facilitate targeted investments by non-federal partners, including the private sector, non-profits and philanthropies.
These initial designations cover all 50 states and the District of Columbia and can be found on an interactive map on FEMA’s website. Additional information is also available on the designation methodology and criteria. More Community Disaster Resilience Zone designations, including tribal lands and territories, are expected to be announced in fall 2023.
The act aims to increase resilience efforts and preventative measures designed to address underserved communities most at-risk to natural hazards. Consistent with legislative direction, FEMA assessed national and state-level risk factors encompassing coastal, inland, urban, suburban and rural communities. Each state has at least one Community Disaster Resilience Zone in these initial designations.
The act leverages collaboration and cross-sector coordination across all levels of government, philanthropic foundations, private non-profits, universities, the insurance industry and private businesses.
To learn more about these initial designations, visit the Community Disaster Resilience Zones webpage on FEMA.gov.
 The image above shows the interactive map that helps locate designated census tracts. This can be found on the Community Disaster Resilience Zones webpage.
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), which became law as part of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, requires certain infrastructure projects to use only iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials produced in the United States to receive federal financial assistance. The law, which took effect for FEMA this year, may impact infrastructure projects under some of our grant programs.
FEMA determined that 23 FEMA grant programs are subject to BABAA’s “Buy America” preference. These include many Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs and Preparedness programs. Most disaster financial assistance programs are not subject to BABAA requirements, including Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Individual Assistance, and Fire Mitigation Assistance Grant programs.
To reduce the administrative burden for recipients of applicable grants, FEMA has issued several waivers for the BABAA requirement. These include:
FEMA has conducted 28 briefings for more than 1,500 internal and external participants on BABAA requirements, with more expected.
You can learn more by visiting FEMA.gov or emailing FEMA-Grants-BuyAmerica@fema.dhs.gov for questions.
The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) is a resilience standard that applies to federally funded projects where taxpayer funds are used for new construction, substantial improvement, or to address substantial damage to structures and facilities. Agencies are required to expand management from the base floodplain to a higher vertical flood elevation and corresponding horizontal floodplain based on approaches outlined in Executive Order (E.O.) 13690: Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input.
The standard also requires agencies to apply higher standards for actions they determine to be critical actions, for which the risk of flooding is too great, such as critical facilities, including police, fire, and hospitals.
On Sept. 12, to support federal agencies’ implementation of national flood programs and regulations, including the Federal Flood Risk Mitigation Standard (FFRMS), FEMA with the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Climate Task Force’s Flood Resilience Interagency Working Group, released the FFRMS Floodplain Determination Job Aid.
This published Floodplain Development Job Aid is a resource to help federal agencies and their non-federal partners conduct a screening to determine if a proposed federally funded action will be located within a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard floodplain, as required under Executive Order 13690.
This guidance document leads users through steps to evaluate their projects in relation to the flood risk standards and includes key terms, case studies, and a worksheet to capture results. Although the Job Aid is technical and intended for federal agency use, non-federal entities (such as applicants for federal funding and supporting contractors) may use this document as a screening tool to determine if their proposed projects would be within the FFRMS floodplain.
The Job Aid can be accessed on FEMA’s website. In addition, NOAA created a short video which describes the Job Aid and provides an overview of E.O.13690 and the FFRMS.
FEMA is seeking skilled reservists to join their team as they recognize the vital role reservists play in their mission to assist communities before, during and after disasters. That’s why FEMA is offering a signing bonus when fulfilling a contracted term from now through April 2024, ranging between $500 - $2,500, depending on when reservists are onboarded.
The agency’s reservist program seeks individuals with diverse skill sets to respond to disasters effectively. Whether you are a logistics mastermind, social media guru, human resource expert or grants manager, FEMA needs experts in various fields to ensure a successful disaster response. When disaster strikes, reservists respond to disasters nationwide at a moment’s notice, typically deploying for about 30 days at a time.
Thanks to the recent passage of the CREW Act, reservists can serve their country and secure their careers simultaneously. Those employed elsewhere can enjoy USERRA legal protections that help them keep their job when returning from a FEMA deployment.
Visit Reservists (On-Call) | FEMA.gov to learn more about being a FEMA reservist and open reservist positions. Let’s build a stronger FEMA and a safer future together. Join FEMA’s reservist workforces today!
Leaders of FEMA and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led global disaster response organization, signed a memorandum of agreement on Sept. 7 outlining how the organizations will continue to cooperate in carrying out disaster preparedness, response, recovery and other emergency management operations.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell signed the agreement with Team Rubicon’s Vice President of Operations, Jeff Byard. The agreement formalizes the organization's longstanding partnership.
“From helping respond to COVID-19 to supporting survivors of Typhoon Mawar in Guam, Team Rubicon always leans forward alongside FEMA in our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters,” said Administrator Criswell. “Team Rubicon is a constant and valued partner, and this agreement both strengthens and reaffirms our partnership.”
“This increased partnership and collaboration with FEMA will enable Team Rubicon to assist more survivors impacted by disaster,” said Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon.
“Relationships and partnerships are the essential tools that enable a timely and efficient response to the needs of disaster survivors. We have a great relationship with FEMA and now a solid partnership,” said Jeff Byard, Vice President of Operations.
Team Rubicon’s signature 160,000-strong volunteer cadre, known as Greyshirts, have completed more than 1,100 response operations both domestically and internationally since its establishment in 2010.
 FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stands with Team Rubicon to celebrate the organizations’ longstanding partnership.
Every community should take steps to be disaster resilient. However, not every community has the resources they need to make that happen. FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance (BRIC DTA) initiative empowers underserved communities and Tribal nations to request hands-on, non-financial technical support from BRIC DTA. FEMA then works with the community to give them the tools they need to build disaster resiliency.
There are currently 74 communities and tribal nations that are receiving this type of assistance. This includes 26 communities and 20 Tribal nations that are part of the BRIC DTA initiative over the next year.
Read the blog post outlining five reasons why your community should consider requesting BRIC Direct Technical Assistance.
In support of September’s National Preparedness Month, the Department of Homeland Security dedicates national weeks of action, encouraging faith-based and community organizations to safeguard people and places through partnerships with local emergency managers and first responders. The 2023 weeks of action will include virtual workshops for the faith community and private sector.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Active Shooter Preparedness provides an actionable framework to enhance security in places of worship that sustains an open and welcoming environment for the community to worship peaceably.
CISA's Introduction to Bomb Threat Management provides an overview of bomb threats, emergency planning, and instruction regarding how to evaluate and respond to both bomb threats and suspicious items.
Mass Casualty / Active Shooter Impact & Recovery Seminar Series: Negotiating Mid to Long Term Recovery is for private sector members interested in enhancing their organizational preparedness before a mass casualty or active shooter incident.
CISA's Tabletop Exercise Package Workshop on Faith-Based Situation Manuals will focus on a faith-based CISA Tabletop Exercise Package in support of the Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action.
CISA's Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items introduces the faith-based community to recognizing and responding to suspicious behaviors and activities related to terrorist or criminal activities.
If You See Something, Say Something® #SeeSayDay
For questions or additional information, contact partnerships@fema.dhs.gov.
The National Level Exercise 2022 examined the response and recovery capabilities of various stakeholders, including all levels of government, private industry and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in the face of a large rupture along the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault line. The scenario included subsequent tsunamis, aftershocks and a spill of national significance caused by the initial disaster.
In order to adapt to real-world events during the planning phase, our planning and exercise partners underwent modifications to the traditional National Level Exercise design. Consequently, the National Level Exercise 2022 evolved into a series of 55 engagements throughout 2022. Each engagement was designed to meet the sponsor’s needs and achieve the intended outcomes. The exercise engagements of NLE 2022 aligned with five national-level objectives and associated focus areas. This extensive sequence of targeted events fostered collaboration among federal, state, local, Tribal Nations and Organizations, private sector and NGO partners to enhance our nation’s preparedness.
The NLE 2022 After-Action Report identifies key strengths, potential best practices and areas for improvement across all the National Level Exercise 2022 exercise engagements. The findings are detailed in the report executive summary, available here on FEMA.gov.
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ChemResponder Nationwide Drill Scheduled for Sept. 11-15
The second ChemResponder Nationwide Drill of 2023, “Plan, Prepare and Prevail: Managing Chemical Facility Information Before, During and After an Emergency,” will occur from Sept. 11-15. The drill is sponsored by FEMA’s Office of Emerging Threats, formerly known as FEMA’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Office.
Prerequisites:
To ensure you can enter Tier II data into ChemResponder during the drill week, please begin obtaining the Tier II data from your local chemical facilities as soon as possible. The data should be in Excel or XML format. More information on Tier II data forms can be found here.
The drill participation and the closing webinar are open from 11-15, with the closing webinar on Sept. 15. Register here.
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Webinar on Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance
If you’re interested in requesting BRIC Direct Technical Assistance, you can learn more in the upcoming webinar on Sept. 13, 2 – 3:30 pm ET. To register visit: Webinar: BRIC Direct Technical Assistance | FEMA.gov
To learn more about the BRIC Direct Technical Assistance initiative, visit BRIC Direct Technical Assistance | FEMA.gov. For questions, please email: FEMA-BRIC-DTA-Submission@fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Oct. 4
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.
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.
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.
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DHS Announces Additional $374.9M in Funding to Boost State and Local Cybersecurity
DHS announced the availability of $374.9 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.
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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Comment Period Open for Fire Management Assistance Grant Program Data Collection
The recent wildfires across the nation underscore the importance of FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Program, which aims to help mitigate, manage and control fires in public or private forests or grasslands that could potentially cause a level of damage that would lead to a major disaster. FMAG application forms are now available online to streamline processes for states, local and tribal governments in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
FEMA is requesting public comment on the updated FMAG application forms by Oct. 10. Comments are requested to evaluate the necessity of the proposed data collection, assess the accuracy of the agency’s estimated burden of the proposed information collection, enhance the quality of the information and minimize the burden of the data collection for those who are to respond. All comments must only be submitted at regulations.gov under Docket ID FEMA-2023-0019 and will be posted publicly without change, including any personal information that is provided.
Please send any inquiries on the FMAG comment period to Antonio Jones, FMAG Program Manager, at (540) 326–1928 or fema-recovery-pa-policy@fema.dhs.gov.
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