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FEMA has made $40 million available for the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program. This grant program focuses on improving and upgrading the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which provides timely and effective warnings during emergencies to people in America. The funding helps build local capacity across the nation to withstand tomorrow's hazards.
The Next Generation Warning System Grant Program will support investments that improve the resilience and security of public broadcasting networks and systems to distribute emergency alerts, warnings and emergency information. It will help public stations, especially those covering rural areas and underserved communities, upgrade to the latest broadcast technology standards that enable advanced dissemination of emergency messaging to televisions and radios.
This year’s funding came through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2024 and is available to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP). CPB will manage a competitive process to solicit sub-grant applications to use these funds following requirements and priorities established by FEMA.
Specifically, this grant program seeks to:
- Enhance and expand capacity, resilience, continuity of broadcast operations, operational readiness and cybersecurity of local broadcast stations to receive, broadcast and redistribute emergency alert messages from IPAWS using the system's Specification for Common Alerting Protocol to fill gaps in alert and warning to people in underserved areas.
- Improve station resiliency and emergency alerting through training for users of IPAWS.
- Implement upgrades to the Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0 and digital radio broadcast standard to ensure local broadcast stations can launch new, enhanced broadcast services to expand the distribution of public alerts and warnings.
- Increase the ability for underserved communities, individuals with disabilities. and those with access and functional needs to receive emergency information by purchasing and distributing consumer receivers where there is a public need.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on FEMA.gov and Grants.gov. This application period will close at 5 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 12. FEMA anticipates that all awards will be finalized no later than Sept. 30.
On Aug. 15, one of FEMA’s largest grant programs, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, announced a final rule called the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application Period Extension to increase the flexibility of its application procedures.
The final rule implements four changes and will be effective immediately. This change aims to help communities become more resilient by providing emergency management partners with better opportunities to address current and future high-level risks to natural disasters.
One change to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application process will extend the initial 12-months to 15-months, giving more time for applicants to submit complete, high-quality applications that address the impacts of climate change and other unmet community mitigation needs.
In addition, FEMA increased its flexibility to provide extensions of the initial application period as follows:
- Applicants now have the option to request extensions for up to 240 days, an increase from the previous 180-day limit. This extension approval, granted at the FEMA regional level, can be in 30 to 120-day increments.
- Applicants facing extenuating circumstances beyond their control can request additional time exceeding the 240 days, with FEMA considering these requests on a case-by-case basis.
As a response to feedback about the length and the inability to reopen the application period, FEMA can now reopen closed application periods, which will allow applicants to maximize the use of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding. This change acknowledges the challenges underserved communities face in accessing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding and aims to provide them with more time to submit quality applications and meet FEMA eligibility criteria.
FEMA will consider re-opening the application periods and determine the lengths of these extensions upon receipt and evaluation of each request’s circumstances.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial governments so they can rebuild in a way that reduces disaster losses in their communities from events like extreme heat, wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. This time-limited grant funding is available after a Presidentially declared disaster. Following such a declaration, a percentage of total expenditures on disaster relief are made available for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
This rule applies to awards made under major disaster declarations declared on or after Aug. 15, 2024. The rule can be read in full in the Federal Register.
It does not apply to the HMGP Post Fire program. For applications related to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Post Fire program, applicants should refer to the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide.
Adding more flexibility to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program highlights the importance of FEMA’s continued commitment to putting “people first” and helping communities, families and businesses build climate resilience. It also aligns with the 2024 FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.
Visit FEMA.gov for more information on this program.
On Aug. 15, FEMA announced its support to 43 preparedness exercises across 38 state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial governments through the National Exercise Program. Exercises play a vital role in building capacity in emergency preparedness and this support is provided at no-cost to the communities. Exercise experts from FEMA will work closely with each selected jurisdiction to design, conduct and evaluate their approved exercises.
Each year, FEMA accepts requests for exercise support from state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial jurisdictions. A well-designed exercise provides a low-risk environment to familiarize personnel with emergency roles and responsibilities. Communities assess and validate their preparedness plans, policies, procedures and capabilities and identify strengths and areas for improvement. This builds local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards and enhances response capabilities at all levels.
The selected exercise topics range from natural threats and hazards, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, to human-caused threats to technological hazards. Of the jurisdictions receiving support, 18 are local governments and 12 are state entities. The remaining jurisdictions are U.S. territories, Tribal Nations, academic institutions and Urban Area Security Initiatives.
Jurisdictions will have an opportunity to submit a request for exercise technical assistance when the next Exercise Support Request Round opens in early 2025. Information about how to submit a request can be found at FEMA.gov
Visit the full press release on FEMA.gov to view the selected community organizations, exercise locations and exercise types.
FEMA’s Small State and Rural Advocate created a new web page to improve communication to small states and rural community members before, during and after disasters. The Small State and Rural Advocate position was created in 2006 to promote the interests and ensure the fair treatment of small states and rural communities in the provision of disaster assistance under the Stafford Act.
The new web page explains the role of the Small State and Rural Advocate in helping rural communities with preliminary damage assessments and representation in emergency management programs, including:
- Resources such as examples of mitigation best practices for rural communities.
- Outlines on how to access more information.
- How to contact the Small State and Rural Advocate.
To learn more, visit Small State and Rural Advocate on FEMA.gov.
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Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist Courtney McKinnon recently visited the Native Village of Kwigillingok (kwee-gill-in-gawk) in rural Alaska to learn about their efforts using FEMA's resources to become more resilient to climate change.
The village faces challenges such as melting permafrost, increased flooding and severe erosion. Through FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) program, the Tribal Nation is working on climate resilience planning and project solution design. The visit provided valuable insights into the impact of flooding on the Native Village of Kwigillingok and the measures being taken to protect its tribal members.
Go to FEMA.gov to read the full article and view photos from the visit.
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FEMA plays a crucial role in disaster management and risk reduction, particularly in mitigating high flood-risk properties. One of their tools is the FEMA-Funded Residential Property Voluntary Flood Buyouts, which help communities increase resilience by acquiring flood-prone properties and converting them to open spaces. Homeowners receive fair market value for their properties, which the program facilitates through various assistance programs.
Several areas in the United States, including Davenport, Iowa, Eastern Kentucky, Vermont and Missouri, have implemented various programs to mitigate the impact of flooding through property acquisition and conversion to open spaces. These initiatives have effectively reduced the risk of future flood damage and enhanced flood resilience in these areas.
For more details on these initiatives and their impact, read the full blog on FEMA.gov.
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New Campaign Features Civil Rights Training for FEMA Grant Recipients, August 21
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 from noon to 4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 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 for 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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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:
- Aug. 22 - Part 3: REPP Alert and Notification System Guidance.
- Aug. 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 is hosting a virtual event at 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 23, titled "A National Conversation on Resilience in America.” This event is part of FEMA’s Year of Resilience campaign as an opportunity for experts across the federal family, state, local and private sectors to convene and share stories, funding opportunities and strategies for building resilience nationwide.
August is National Resilience Month at FEMA, and this event promises to be an enlightening and empowering experience for all attendees. The agenda includes engaging in conversations on resilience and the critical need to invest in resilience today to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from influential speakers who will share inspiring examples of resilience-building efforts in their diverse communities.
Register today and join Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and our partners in this crucial discussion at 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 23. You can also watch the video, FEMA Administrator Announces National Resilience Month and Virtual Event on YouTube to learn more.
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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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Join FEMA for the August Business and Industry Call
FEMA’s Office of Business, Industry and Infrastructure Integration is hosting the August Business and Industry Call. The virtual event will be held from 3-4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The webinar will focus on the critical aspects of emergency risk analysis for business owners and communities. Panelists will highlight various tools, resources and best practices for effectively identifying, assessing and mitigating risks. To register, visit August Business and Industry Call.
FEMA hosts monthly Business and Industry Calls to update National Business Emergency Operations Center members, business and industry organizations, and FEMA partners on the tools available during all stages of the disaster lifecycle. Each month, experts from FEMA, other interagency partners, and business and industry organizations present different topics. For organizations interested in joining, please visit fema.gov/NBEOC.
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National Floodplain Administrator Requests Assessment Survey by August 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 Releases Updated Guide to Help Communities with Resilience Grants Process
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 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.
This edition builds on 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 Hazard Mitigation Assistance update was also the first guide to cover Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.
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 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, Sept. 12.
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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Register for the Great ShakeOut!
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. Join FEMA in the world's largest earthquake drill on Oct. 17!
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.
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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. FEMA is using $660 million 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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