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In response to Hurricane Debby, President Biden approved emergency declarations for Georgia and South Carolina yesterday, in addition to an emergency declaration for the state of Florida on Sunday. These declarations authorize FEMA to provide federal assistance to save lives, protect property and public health and safety.
Although Hurricane Debby weakened to a tropical storm, it is still bringing life-threatening hazards to areas along northern Florida and portions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. FEMA urges visitors and residents of these areas to prepare for a long duration severe weather event.
FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center and Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center are activated and managing the staging and movement of commodities and response assets. Additional federal agencies are available if needed to deploy to disaster areas. FEMA liaisons are jointly located with state officials in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina to assist with any requests for federal assistance. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams, including water rescue teams, are positioned to assist affected states. Additionally, FEMA pre-staged ambulance assets in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
 People experiencing flooding from Debby should take action to stay safe.
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Stay safe and be aware of flood risks. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters as it may be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Additionally, underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Remember, just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water and never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
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Use generators safely. Always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
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Flooding can affect power systems, as utility companies may shut down a portion of the electrical grid. If the power goes out, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. Never use candles during a blackout or power outage due to extreme risk of fire.
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Stay away from power and communication lines. Communication lines carry vital messages, including 911 and emergency services and provide access to the internet. Call your utility providers directly to report down or cut lines and stay clear of the area.
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Stay off the roads. This will help first responders and utility companies get help to those who need it most. If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials say it is safe to do so.
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Be aware of other risks. Tropical storms have the potential to form tornados. If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in the center of a small interior room, such as a closet or interior hallway, on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
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Use caution when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
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Document any property damage. If you’re able to safely do so, take photos and contact your insurance company right away for assistance and next steps.
You can find more information on how to prepare for the incoming storm and how to stay safe at Ready.gov or Listo.gov. You can also download the free FEMA App to locate open shelters and receive alerts for up to five areas.
Every August, FEMA celebrates its National Resilience Month to highlight the significant investments and policies that help state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial partners across the nation build resilience. In recognition of this annual effort to lift up examples of resiliency our communities are taking to make America stronger, Administrator Criswell issued the following statement.
Go to National Resilience Month to learn about funding opportunities and how communities across the country are building resilience.
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Following valuable feedback from grant applicants, FEMA updated the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guide to make it more user-friendly.
The update consolidates information and eligibility requirements for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) projects addressing air quality, drought, extreme temperatures, wildfire and wind. It also reflects recent policy changes to simplify program delivery through streamlined cost effectiveness methods and a lower benefit-cost analysis discount rate.
State, local, Tribal Nation and territorial governments can use the guide to navigate the application process and manage the grant lifecycle to receive critical resilience dollars. The guide includes information on policies and processes to enable effective and consistent implementation across all HMA programs.
This edition builds on the last year’s update which incorporated climate change and future conditions, equity, building codes, capability and capacity building, nature-based solutions and community lifelines as key principles for its grant programs. The HMA update was also the first guide to cover Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).
HMA provides funding to reduce the risk and impact of disasters such as wildfires, drought, extreme heat, hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. Programs in HMA are BRIC, Flood Mitigation Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and HMGP Post Fire.
The HMA updates align with FEMA’s “people first” approach and helps communities build climate resilience by reducing complexity and barriers to accessing HMA grant funds. This also aligns with the 2024 FEMA Year of Resilience to build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.
FEMA is offering two office-hour sessions to provide an overview of recent updates. Registration is now open for the following sessions:
Visit FEMA.gov to access the guide.
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FEMA will host a recurring virtual resume writing workshop on the second Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. ET to help interested applicants tailor their resumes for federal employment at FEMA. The next workshop will be held Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Attending a resume writing workshop can help you to take your resume to the next level. By joining a workshop, you will receive expert guidance from professionals who understand the challenging requirements of federal resumes and will provide you with the tools needed to ensure your resume complies with federal resume requirements. Specific topics to be covered will include:
- An overview of FEMA.
- Federal resume writing tips.
- Navigating USAJobs.
- Additional resources.
Mark your calendars for this valuable opportunity to refine your resume and stand out in your career development. FEMA encourages all interested applicants to participate and make the most of this resource.
To register, visit Webinar Registration - Zoom (zoomgov.com) or FEMA Resume Writing Workshop | FEMA.gov. For questions and to request reasonable accommodations, email FEMA-Recruiting-Assistance@fema.dhs.gov.
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Earthquakes can happen anywhere with little to no warning. Do you know how to keep your family, employees or stakeholders safe? Knowing what to do before a big earthquake can determine how well you survive and recover.
Register today so that you or your organization will:
- Be counted in the largest-ever earthquake drill in the world!
- Be listed with other participants in your area, if desired.
- Set an example that motivates others to participate and prepare.
- Get updates with ShakeOut news and preparedness tips.
- Have peace of mind that you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly from the next big earthquake!
Get ready to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. Spread the word! Please ask friends and family to text SHAKEOUT to 43362. Visit Earthquakes | Ready.gov to learn more about how to stay safe before, during and after an earthquake.
Living near the coast has its perks, from picture-perfect views to being able to swim in the ocean. However, these advantages come with coastal hazards. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable when it comes to disasters such as hurricanes, storm surges, flooding and erosion. When you prepare for these hazards, you can significantly reduce the risk to life, property and the environment.
Visit Preparing for Coastal Hazards: A Comprehensive Guide to understand different types of coastal hazards, how to prepare and additional resources to take with you.
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Attend the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Lunch and Learn Series
The FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP) will host Lunch and Learn opportunities every Thursday in August. Each session will focus on a different topic, covering updates to the 2023 REP Program Manual (RPM).
The list of topics covered each week are below:
- August 8 - Part 1: The Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program and FEMA's REPP Administration and Appendices.
- August 15 - Part 2: REPP Planning Guidance.
- August 22 - Part 3: REPP Alert and Notification System Guidance.
- August 29 - Part 4: REPP Assessment Policies and Guidance.
After registration, you will receive a meeting invitation with the link to attend. For more information about REPP sessions and registration, visit (RPM) August Webinars on FEMA.gov.
To learn more about the REP program, trainings and additional resources, including the REPP's standard operating guide, reference library, final after-action reports and national public information map, visit Radiological Emergency Preparedness on FEMA.gov.
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FEMA Announces $5.4M Available in Competitive Training Grants for Rural and Tribal Preparedness
FEMA has made $5.4 million available for the Fiscal Year 2024 Competitive Training Grants to focus on “Rural and Tribal Preparedness for Equitable Outcomes." These funds are provided through the Homeland Security National Training Program’s Continuing Training Grants. This program helps develop and deliver FEMA-certified training solutions to help the emergency management and first responder communities. Funding through the grants is provided as a cooperative agreement and awarded directly to the recipients.
The delivery and development of these innovative training programs play an important role in implementing the National Preparedness System and support the core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal for a secure and resilient nation.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity was posted on Grants.gov, Monday, July 8. Eligible Homeland Security National Training Program applicants must submit their application no later than 11:59 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 16.
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FEMA Seeks Social Scientist to Improve Community Preparedness
FEMA is searching nationwide for an experienced social scientist to assist the agency in integrating social and behavioral science best practices to improve the equitable, people-centered delivery of our products and programs. Applications for this unique opportunity are being accepted until Sunday, Aug. 18.
The Social Scientist Partner will work with programs across the agency, advising on implementing data-informed decision making. Candidates should have an advanced degree in sociology, anthropology, psychology or a related social science discipline, proven experience in conducting social science research, strong written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
More information, including application instructions, can be found at Social Scientist Partnership on FEMA.gov.
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FEMA Requests Public Comment on Latest Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide
FEMA is requesting public comments on its latest Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, which focuses on plain language and increased eligibility for assistance. The 60-day public comment period opened June 18, and written comments may be submitted on the Federal Register Portal and FEMA.gov through 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Aug. 19.
With this updated guide, Public Assistance applicants will be able to maximize the program’s authorities by submitting cost summaries for their projects rather than detailed, itemized cost information. Likewise, applicants will experience reduced documentation with the ability to group projects with similar damage together rather than undergo individual inspections to help keep recovery moving forward.
To ensure equitable outcomes, applicants can help FEMA prioritize projects that benefit vulnerable populations by submitting information to determine whether disaster impacts affect any underserved communities. In addition, Houses of Worship and their role in communities pre- and post-disasters are now specifically mentioned in the guide to ensure these types of nonprofits have access to assistance. To promote resiliency when building back, version 5 includes a section on nature-based solutions, which incorporates natural features or processes into the project design and construction phase.
The guide offers an overview of Public Assistance program and policy and how to apply to all disasters declared on or after its publication date.
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New Campaign Features Civil Rights Training for FEMA Grant Recipients
In August, FEMA will launch the Recipients’ Awareness Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to educate and inform FEMA grant recipients and sub-recipients about compliance with civil rights laws and their responsibilities to administer programs and activities without discrimination. The campaign will help recipients and their communities develop effective, efficient, inclusive disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
During the trainings, FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights will directly engage a large audience of recipients and sub-recipients with information about relevant civil rights laws and executive orders that affect how they provide services to their beneficiaries. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about compliance with civil rights laws as they create or review their policies and programs.
The first training session will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. ET, with others to follow throughout the year.
If you know a recipient or sub-recipient of FEMA’s financial assistance, please send them a message and encourage them to register to attend. For more information, they can contact FEMA-RecipientsAwarenessCampaign@fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA Seeks Public Comment on the Community Rating System
FEMA has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. The public can provide comments on the suggested alternative program features to the Community Rating System by submitting a response to the Federal Register Notice Request for Information on Regulations.gov. In addition, FEMA is offering public meetings in August and individuals can register for a session.
FEMA is seeking input on the suggestions and approaches for a redesigned Community Rating System. This is based on public input from the August 2021 request for information (Docket ID “FEMA-2021-0021”) and recommendations from the July 2023 Government Accountability Office report, FEMA's New Rate Setting Methodology Improves Actuarial Soundness but Highlights Need for Broader Program Reform (GAO-23-105977).
FEMA will host three 90-minute public meetings to explain the suggested alternative program features and how to provide information for public comment. Participants must register in advance and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anyone interested may register online and attend a public meeting on:
Written comments must be submitted by Sept. 9 on the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2024-0022. Please follow the instructions on the page for submitting comments and contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk if you have technical issues. Visit FEMA.gov for more information about the Community Rating System.
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FEMA Requests Public Comment on Updated Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide
FEMA is requesting public comments on its updated Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Guide, which includes clarifications for conducting joint preliminary damage assessments, adjustments on eligibility requirements and reviews on exceptions or special considerations for Tribal Nations. The 30-day public comment period opened July 22 and written comments may be submitted on FEMA.gov through Thursday, Aug. 22.
The guide helps emergency management officials at all levels of government efficiently complete accurate and consistent preliminary damage assessments that align with the Stafford Act Presidential disaster declaration request requirements.
Any remarks received during the comment period will be reviewed and considered for the final version of the PDA Guide.
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FEMA Seeks Input on its Disaster Case Management Program
FEMA published a Request for Information notice on SAM.gov, seeking input from post-trauma case management and emergency management professionals to help remove barriers, identify best practices and find innovative solutions related to its Disaster Case Management program.
Insights and expertise from professionals in these fields can help inform future changes to the program, ensuring that it effectively connects survivors to the wide range of disaster assistance available.
This Request for Information is a continuation of FEMA’s recent updates to its Individual Assistance program, which focused on establishing new and flexible forms of assistance, cutting through red tape and simplifying the application process for survivors. Enhancing the Disaster Case Management program is vital to simplifying processes for survivors so they can find and access help when they need it most.
FEMA encourages all professionals in post-trauma case management and emergency management to provide their valuable feedback.
To participate, please visit the Request for Information notice on SAM.gov and submit your comments by Sunday, Aug. 25.
Please note that responses to these notices are not offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract.
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National Floodplain Administrator Requests Assessment Survey by Aug. 30
FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which includes more than 22,600 participating communities. This year, FEMA is conducting a National Floodplain Administrator Needs Assessment survey of the nation’s floodplain administrators who manage local floodplains for these jurisdictions. This is the first nationwide survey since 2009.
FEMA wants to hear from local governments and their staff about how training can be improved to help them protect their communities and retain existing floodplain administrators. The survey is available in English and Spanish. The survey will close Friday, Aug. 30.
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FEMA Announces $300M to Strengthen Community Resilience to Flooding
The third round of Swift Current funding is now available to help National Flood Insurance Program policyholders across the nation become more resilient to flooding. This funding makes $660 million, which FEMA is using from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program’s Swift Current opportunity.
For the first Swift Current announcement in 2022, FEMA made available a total of $60 million. The second announcement in 2023 made $300 million available and expanded criteria to benefit more places, which as of May 30, includes 19 states and one Tribal Nation.
The application window opened on June 1, 2024, and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31, 2025. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office.
All applications must be submitted in FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline date will be provided to the applicant. Applications received by FEMA after the deadline will not be considered for funding. For more information, interested NFIP policyholders should contact their state or territory hazard mitigation officer.
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