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Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that FEMA is reforming its federal assistance policies and expanding benefits for disaster survivors to cut red tape, provide funds faster and give people more flexibility.
FEMA developed these new forms of assistance based on direct feedback from survivors and in response to threats the nation faces due to our changing climate. The changes will create more equitable outcomes for all communities by increasing accessibility and eligibility for post-disaster support.
FEMA has collected feedback from disaster survivors, communities, and stakeholders for decades, including public comments the agency solicited in 2021 on improving the Individual Assistance program. State partners and members of Congress have echoed these concerns and pressed for simpler, more straightforward programs to assist individuals across the country as they recover. Those shared experiences serve as the foundation of FEMA’s updates.
To learn more about how FEMA is helping people before, during and after disasters, visit FEMA.gov and the Individual Assistance Reform Fact Sheet.
FEMA has released the funding notice for the Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which will award $324 million to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters nationwide against fire-related deaths and hazards.
During 2023, there were nearly 2,200 home fire fatalities in the United States, including 82 firefighters. To help keep communities and fire companies safer, FEMA is announcing new funding for critically needed resources to better equip and train emergency personnel, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability and support community resilience. In addition, these grants will provide direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state fire training academies.
The AFG application period will open on Monday, Jan. 29, at 8 a.m. ET and will close on Friday, March 22, at 5 p.m. ET.
Across the country, we can see different ways AFG funds have been used to support firefighters and the communities they protect. Some of the examples include the following:
- In Gloucester City, New Jersey, firefighters were able to save a 14-year-old boy from drowning after he fell off a train trestle into swift water, thanks to Swiftwater Rescue Training and equipment paid for by an AFG grant.
- In Topeka, Kansas, a thermal imaging camera purchased with an AFG grant saved two firefighters from falling through a compromised staircase while fighting a housefire.
- The Portland (Maine) Fire Department was able to send 50 of its members to the hospital for screening as part of an ongoing firefighter lung cancer study. A serious lung abnormality was found in one of the firefighters, but it was in an early stage and treatable. Without that early detection, it would have become untreatable and possibly fatal.
The examples represent the positive outcomes of receiving AFG grants. FEMA encourages more communities to apply as these funds have a significant impact.
Since fiscal year 2001, the AFG has awarded approximately $8.4 billion in grants to help critically needed resources keep firefighters and the public safe from fires and fire-related hazards.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity for this program is available at www.grants.gov and on the FEMA website, where there are also technical assistance documents and additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants.
Co-hosted by FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, FEMA’s Individual Assistance Division Leadership will present a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET focused on Reforming Individual Assistance.
Webinar Information:
- Topic: Reforming Individual Assistance.
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 25
- Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Location: Please register at ZOOM | Virtual Platform.
- Passcode: FEMAVAL.
Speakers:
- Colt Hagmaier, Assistant Administrator, FEMA Recovery Directorate.
- Frank Matranga, Director, Individual Assistance Division.
- Dr. Elizabeth Asche, Deputy Director, Individual Assistance Division.
- Zach Usher, Deputy Director, Individual Assistance Division.
- Marcus Coleman, Director, DHS Center of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
For further questions, please contact FEMA-VAL@fema.dhs.gov.
Join Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell at the #WinterReady Extreme Cold Summit that brings together federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial leaders to discuss best practices and success stories of communities taking action to mitigate the impacts of extreme cold.
The summit is a pivotal component of FEMA's #WinterReady campaign, aimed at raising awareness about extreme cold risks and promoting preparedness among the public that will offer valuable resources for government stakeholders, emergency managers and the media to effectively communicate these risks to foster resilient communities.
This webinar will be recorded with captioning, and ASL interpretation will be provided. A transcript of the entire webinar will be made available after the event. Register at #WinterReady Extreme Cold Summit | FEMA.gov.
The Climate Risk and Resilience Portal (ClimRR) is an award-winning and free national online source that provides climate data down to the neighborhood level. ClimRR provides easy access to climate data to integrate future conditions into Hazard Mitigation Plans, land use plans, infrastructure design and FEMA’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT).
ClimRR data is available for a range of hazards: extreme temperatures, wind, fire weather index and precipitation/no precipitation under two carbon emission scenarios. The updated portal lets users visualize and analyze future climate hazards combined with local demographic and infrastructure data.
Enhanced features include the following:
- New consolidated local reports assessing future climate hazards and community impacts.
- New maps, charts and visualizations.
- Improved educational features to interpret climate hazard data points.
Webinars are open to everyone, and real-time captioning is available. Register now to attend one of the ClimRR webinars below:
- Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to noon ET.
- Thursday, Feb. 1, from 4 - 5 p.m. ET.
In December 2023, FEMA completed a guidance update to ensure the safety and health of individuals who live near commercial nuclear power plants. The 2023 version of the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual is a comprehensive guide for the agency's Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program and is updated on a four-year schedule.
The updated Manual offers specific guidance following a complete revision in 2019. After its final approval process, the 2023 update will be published on the REP Program Manual webpage and the FEMA Preparedness Toolkit.
External partners are encouraged to participate in webinars to learn more about the 2023 updates. Webinars will be held throughout April and May. Look for dates and times for the webinars on FEMA.gov. For questions, email FEMATHDPolicy@fema.dhs.gov.
The FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program leaders extend their appreciation to their partners for participating in the program, as "it takes a community to keep a community safe."
FEMA developed 10 new Exercise Starter Kits for the 2023-2026 National Exercise Program Principals’ Exercise Priorities. The new kits are now available in the Emergency Management Toolkit section of the Preparedness Toolkit. This online portal provides the whole community with tools for implementing the National Preparedness System.
Each kit contains a sample exercise facilitator and evaluator guide, sample conduct slides, a sample situation manual and a customizable placemat.
These documents are intended to be used by exercise practitioners and emergency managers at all levels of government, the private sector and nonprofit organizations. By providing these materials, FEMA hopes to engage planners who may need more time to develop their own exercises fully.
FEMA will host a series of webinars to discuss the new kits. All webinars will offer the same content. There is no registration required to attend one of the webinars. Join during one of the times listed below using this Adobe Connect link.
- Session 1: Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. ET.
- Session 2: Wednesday, Jan. 31, at noon ET.
- Session 3: Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m. ET.
If you are unable to attend one of the webinars listed above, a recorded version of the webinar will be available on the Preparedness Toolkit HSEEP Webinars page starting Feb. 1.
The available exercise starter kits will include the following:
- Climate resilience.
- Climate adaptation.
- Complex incident coordination.
- Large-scale population movement and resettlement.
- Mitigating social isolation and loneliness.
- Community preparedness and response to the opioid crisis.
- Enhancing supply chain resilience.
- Recovery.
- Community profile.
- Reunification.
If you have any questions, email NEP@fema.dhs.gov.
The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The online application process is open to students in grades eight through 11. Students must apply by March 4.
Students interested in applying for the Council can learn more about the process and have their questions answered in the following webinars:
The webinar will walk students through the application process and give applicants a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the Youth Preparedness Council.
During their one-year term, council members collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July 2025 and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government and national non-profit organizations.
If you know a teen interested in preparedness and community service, encourage them to apply.
To learn more, visit the Youth Preparedness Council webpage.
FEMA invites state, local, Tribal and territorial emergency managers to apply for the Emergency Manager Exchange (EMX) program. The agency wants your experience and expertise to help shape our programs and policies.
During the exchange, non-federal emergency managers will work for six months in FEMA offices, engaging with decision-makers. FEMA staff will be sent to the emergency manager’s home office to help fill in gaps and learn about the participant’s emergency management work.
“Embracing diverse viewpoints, as emphasized by the EMX program, not only benefits FEMA but also enhances the overall understanding and effectiveness of emergency management across all levels,” said EMX Executive Sponsor and Acting Region 6 Regional Deputy Administrator Traci Brasher. “It's a testament to the program's commitment to excellence and innovation in fostering collaboration across the emergency management enterprise."
Emergency managers may apply for the EMX program by submitting their resume and a nomination letter from their home office. Requirement details and submission information can be found online at Emergency Manager Exchange | FEMA.gov.
In partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI), FEMA will host a webinar on preparing caregivers, support networks and care recipients for disasters on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 2 - 3 p.m. ET.
This webinar will include discussions with caregivers and emergency management professionals that will inform emergency management professionals on how to support caregiver’s needs before, during and after a disaster. Caregivers, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other entities involved in emergency management functions are encouraged to join!
Webinar Information:
- Topic: Disaster preparedness for caregivers, their support networks and their care recipients.
- Date: Jan. 24.
- Time: 2 - 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Please register via ZOOM.
A new educational game designed to teach high school students about decision-making during disasters is available online at FEMA.gov/DisasterMind. Youth, educators and emergency managers nationwide can access Disaster Mind and its supporting teaching materials on most computer-based web browsers.
Disaster Mind challenges players to think quickly in the face of a flood, wildfire, and blizzard while a mysterious guide weaves twists and turns along the way. The game was developed by Region 8 and the iThrive Games Foundation, a nonprofit that uses game-based learning tools to help students develop skillsets that support their mental health and well-being.
Want to schedule a demonstration from the development team? Reach out to FEMA-Region-8-Youth@fema.dhs.gov for facilitation support or a walkthrough of the game.
 The Guide watches over disaster scenarios in this image of Disaster Mind gameplay.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially when driving. Snow, ice and sleet can increase the risk of accidents. On average, winter weather directly or indirectly contributes to over 540,000 vehicular accidents in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 120,000 police-reported crashes in 2021 occurred during snowy or sleet conditions.
Read the full blog and follow the tips to stay safe on the road at FEMA.gov.
DHS Issues Request for Information on Environmental Justice Program
The Department of Homeland Security invites public comment and feedback on barriers and challenges, as well as suggestions and ideas to help advance the Department’s environmental justice program. DHS conducts meaningful engagement of the public in decision-making and addresses challenges facing environmental justice communities related to DHS programs and activities.
On Dec. 18, 2023, DHS issued a Request for Information (RFI), Docket ID: DHS-2023-0048, asking specific questions. The public comment period will be open for 60 days, closing on Feb. 16. DHS will host virtual information and listening sessions via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 29, at 3:30 p.m. ET to hear participants’ responses to the questions in the RFI.
To view translations of the RFI and for more information on the DHS Environmental Justice Program, please visit DHS and Environmental Justice | Homeland Security. For questions, please contact dhsenvironmentaljustice@hq.dhs.gov.
For free language services, including written translation or oral interpretation of this document, or to request this document in alternate formats such as Braille or large print, please contact us at crcl@hq.dhs.gov.
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Invitation to the 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partners Summit in Pearl, MS
The 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partnership Summit will be held in Pearl, Mississippi, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. This two-day event brings together non-governmental and private sector partners with federal, state and local emergency management representatives. Emergency managers in the private sector will join in discussions about the challenges we face as emergency management leaders to better help survivors.
Register for the summit by visiting the 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partners Summit | Jan. 31 - Feb. 1. Hotel information will be emailed to you once you register.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $150 Million to Help Underserved Communities Fund Resilience Projects
FEMA announced the second funding opportunity for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant program to make communities safer from natural hazards. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program provides capitalization grants to eligible applicants nationwide. Applicants then offer low-interest loans directly to local communities to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, promote equity, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster impacts.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow funding notice is available at Grants.gov. Eligible entities must apply for funding using the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants Management System (ND Grants). The application period opens on Feb. 1. Applications must be received by Tuesday, April 30, at 3 p.m. ET.
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FEMA Seeks Feedback on the “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers” Draft Guide
FEMA seeks feedback on the draft guide, “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers,” until Feb. 9. The guide will help emergency managers incorporate climate adaptation into emergency management planning efforts.
FEMA will host 60-minute webinar sessions to provide an overview of the draft guide and include facilitated discussions with stakeholders to help improve the existing draft and gather feedback from all community partners. The last webinar will be held on Jan. 25.
The guide is designed to walk state, local, tribal and territorial partners through the Six Step Planning Process identified in the “Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans,” highlighting existing climate mapping tools and potential funding resources. FEMA is seeking feedback that can be incorporated into the guide, particularly real-world case studies. A line-numbered version of the draft guide is also available to allow individuals to provide comments on specific areas within the document.
To review the document and register for the webinar sessions, visit the "Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers" on FEMA.gov.
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Register for the 2024 National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar
Register today to reserve your spot for the 31st annual National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar. This annual two-day seminar will be held Feb. 13 – 14 in Emmitsburg, Maryland and will bring together dam safety professionals from across the nation. The theme for this year’s seminar is “Dam Safety 101: Design, Analysis, Construction and Risk Management."
When registering for the seminar, list Tim Bush as the supervisor for application approval.
- Email: timothy.bush@fema.dhs.gov
- Phone: 256-454-5865
Participants from the dam safety community are encouraged to register now and join the vast network of officials from both federal and state dam safety programs across the nation, as space at the seminar is running out. For more information about the seminar, please visit FEMA.gov or contact either jmalama@usbr.gov or alesia.zagara@associates.fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA Seeks Volunteers for Virtual BRIC National Review Panels
FEMA seeks volunteers from state, local, tribal and territorial governments and other federal agencies to participate in the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) virtual national review panels.
The agency is accepting Expression of Interest forms through Feb. 15. These volunteers will leverage their mitigation experience and expertise to determine how sub-applications meet BRIC qualitative evaluation criteria. The virtual panels will run from April 8 to May 3 on Zoom. Panelists will serve 30 hours on one weekly panel from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, plus a three-hour training.
For more information, visit the BRIC webpage on FEMA.gov.
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FEMA Opens Exercise Support through March 1
FEMA provides exercise support to state, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions at no cost through the agency’s National Exercise Program. Exercise support can include assistance with exercise planning, design, scenario development, conduct and evaluation.
Applications for 2024 exercise support will be accepted from Jan. 4 through March 1, 2024. Support requests are open to all state, local, tribal and territorial governments. New applicants or applicants from underserved jurisdictions are urged to apply. There is no associated cost-share for selected jurisdictions for this exercise assistance.
In January, FEMA will host webinars to discuss the exercise support process. Each webinar will cover the same content. Register in advance by visiting FEMA’s webinar page. The last webinar is Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 4 - 5 p.m. ET.
Visit FEMA.gov/NEP for more information, including how to request support. For any specific questions, please email the program staff at NEP@fema.dhs.gov and include “2024 Exercise Support Question” in your subject line.
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FEMA Publishes Resources for Developing BRIC and FMA Grant Applications
On Oct. 12, 2023, FEMA announced $1.8 billion available in funding for the Fiscal Year 2023 Building Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs. The BRIC funding level will be $1 billion and the Flood Mitigation Assistance funding level will be $800 million.
FEMA published program support materials and launched a series of webinars and on-demand videos that provide important resources and information for prospective applicants and sub-applicants. These resources can be used to help develop applications for these two FEMA hazard mitigation grants. The application period for both programs closes on Feb. 29.
These program support materials are resources to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments prepare applications for this grant cycle. The following program support materials are:
Information about the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding Opportunities Webinar Series is available online and includes an opportunity to watch the video or download the presentation. This webinar provides an overview of and guidance on how to request Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance in fiscal year 2023. More information about this opportunity is available on the BRIC Direct Technical Assistance webpage. Please complete this form by Feb. 29.
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Application Period Open for $211M to Fund Dam Safety Grants
FEMA will commit more than $211 million in funding to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation to ensure that communities have the critical infrastructure needed to protect against disasters and prevent flooding.
The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making about $185 million available, and another approximately $26 million is available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. The investments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help protect communities from flooding, avoid disaster costs and strengthen resilience to climate change.
The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. The state administrative agency or an equivalent state agency is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application. The funding opportunities are open now and will close on Feb. 29. Available opportunities may be found on Grants.gov.
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Attend the 9th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, speaking to more than 2,000 tribal leaders and emergency managers at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 80th Annual Convention, unveiled FEMA’s first-of-its-kind 2023 Tribal Strategy Progress Report and announced the opening of registration for the ninth-annual Tribal Nations Training Week, to be held March 9-16, at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama. Register by March 6 to attend!
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Application Period Open for Repetitive Flooding Mitigation Funding
An additional $300 million in Swift Current funding is available to help property owners across the nation become more resilient to flooding. This funding opportunity is the second time that FEMA is using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Swift Current, part of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Swift Current makes homes safer and more resilient for National Flood Insurance Program policyholders with repetitively flooded properties. To be eligible, buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA will work with states, Tribes and territories to explore their participation during this cycle. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office. The application period opened on Nov. 15, 2023, and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov.
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