Important Deadlines & Reminders Attend Webinar on Contamination Monitoring for Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Incidents from 1-2 p.m. ET. Attend the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guide Office-Hour Webinar from 2-3 p.m. ET. Public Comment Period Closes on the Updated Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide. Application Period Closes for the Emergency Manager Exchange Program.

2024 National Preparedness Month Congressional Co-Chairs

FEMA is honored to announce the first six of 19 Congressional co-chairs for this year's National Preparedness Month. Their bi-partisan collaboration and commitment to promoting preparedness across the nation and in their districts supports a nation more resilient to emergencies and disasters. 

We'll feature additional quotes throughout the month. Visit 2024 National Preparedness Month Congressional Co-Chairs | Ready.gov to read quotes from all 19 Congressional co-chairs.

Congressional Support for National Preparedness Month

U.S. Senate

• Sen. Laphonza Butler (CA), Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “Californians know firsthand the growing threat of natural disasters, from wildfires to intense heatwaves,” said Senator Butler. “National Preparedness Month is a vital opportunity to reinforce emergency preparedness at all levels and to strengthen our disaster response and recovery efforts. I am proud to work with FEMA to promote resilience and safeguard every community across the Golden State.”

• Sen, Alex Padilla (CA), Chair, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife. Committee on Natural Resources Member. “Californians know firsthand the importance of disaster preparedness, and the recent surge in wildfires, extreme heat, and drought across the West make building resilience even more important,” said Senator Padilla. “Too often, minorities and underserved communities face disproportionate threats to their safety and livelihoods when disaster strikes. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the first-ever Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Preparedness Month, and I will work with my colleagues to protect our communities from increasingly extreme weather.”

• Sen. Gary Peters (MI), Chairman, Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “Severe weather, flooding and wildfires are happening more frequently and causing serious damage and destruction in our communities. National Preparedness Month is an important opportunity to share lifesaving information about how families and businesses can be prepared in an emergency and how FEMA is working to help communities plan for and respond to natural disasters.”

U.S. House of Representatives

• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR), Ranking Member, Committee on Education and Workforce. “In NW Oregon, the climate crisis is fueling devastating disasters like wildfires and extreme heat. Our region also faces a significant earthquake and tsunami threat from the Cascadia Subduction Zone. We all have a role to play in better preparing communities for disaster. During National Preparedness Month, I encourage Oregonians and Americans to learn about the steps they can take to be ready in case of an emergency. I will continue to advocate for the resources and investments necessary to increase resiliency.”

• Rep. Troy A Carter, Sr. (LA), Ranking Member, House Homeland Security Committee, Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee. “With natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, investments we make today in readiness and resilience will determine the outcome of our response tomorrow. Louisianians know this better than anyone. I have learned from my time on the ground that we must instill a culture of preparedness at all levels of government and ensure our response and recovery to disasters are equitable. I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the 2024 National Preparedness Month and look forward to working with FEMA to promote equitable disaster preparedness, response, and recovery."

• Rep. Ed Case (HI), U.S. House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security. "As a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, with oversight and funding jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal disaster and security efforts, I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month 2024. And representing the state with the highest numbers of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, I am grateful that this year’s theme focuses on empowering our AANHPI community nationwide to prepare fully and adequately for disaster. The reality is that, for various reasons, all of them solvable, our AANHPI communities are both less prepared and less confident in their ability to prepare than many others. As one tragic example, the Maui wildfires of a year ago impacted our AANHPI disproportionately, including Lahaina with some 40% Filipino American residents. We must all work with FEMA and our ‘ohana to assure that these lessons are learned and our communities whether AANHPI or others are fully prepared."

 

Deadline Extended for Input on FEMA’s 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. The deadline to submit public comment has been extended to Friday, Oct. 25.

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 Friday, Oct. 25.

Please note that responses to these notices are not offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract.

FEMA Publishes 2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities' Stakeholder Report

Strength in Unity: The Power of Mass Care Partnerships

.

Attend Protecting Places of Worship National Weeks of Action Webinars

.

In support of National Preparedness Month, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security dedicate national weeks of action, encouraging community leaders to take action on prevention and preparedness activities that promote the safety and security of people and places through partnerships with local emergency managers and first responders.

The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships coordinates the initiative in collaboration with participating agencies of the Protecting Places of Worship Interagency Policy Council. The Weeks of Action supports implementation of the National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism and the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

The 2024 Weeks of Action include virtual and in-person workshops for the faith community and private sector. The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is hosting two webinars:

Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar: Sept. 18 from 2 – 4 p.m. ET. To register, visit Zoom.

• Learn about best practices that can enhance emergency action planning capabilities. This webinar provides considerations to mitigate the impacts of an active shooter incident, while encouraging recovery preparedness. For more information go to Active Assailant Security Resources | CISA.

DHS Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action- Fall Religious Observance Security Briefing Webinar: Sept. 19 from 2 – 3:15 p.m. ET. To register, visit Zoom.

• This webinar will provide participants with a threat briefing during the period of fall religious observances and the “Protecting Places of Worship National Weeks of Action." In addition, federal partners will share practical tools and resources to help strengthen the safety and security of places of worship and community spaces. This event is closed to the press.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is offering webinars on:

• Suspicious activity recognition.
• Response to suspicious behaviors and items.
• Introduction to bomb threat management.
• Bomb threat assessment for decision makers.
• Creating a culture of violence prevention in K-12 schools.
• The Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program Virtual Concluding Summit.
• National SeeSay Day. 

 

Register for these webinars by visiting, 2024 Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action Virtual Calendar of Events | FEMA.gov.

New Campaign Features Civil Rights Training for FEMA Grant Recipients

In August, FEMA launched 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 hold training webinars to 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 next training session will be held from noon to 3 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 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, contact FEMA-RecipientsAwarenessCampaign@fema.dhs.gov.

For information and to register for this webinar, visit FEMA Recipients’ Awareness Campaign: Civil Rights Training | FEMA.gov

Para obtener información e inscribirse en este seminario en línea, visite Campaña de concientización para receptores de FEMA: Adiestramiento sobre derechos civiles | FEMA.gov.

Join FEMA and the Small Business Administration for an Informational Session on Disaster Readiness

.

National Level Exercise 2024 Completion

.

On Aug. 29, FEMA, along with its partners across multiple federal, state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial organizations, completed the last of nine planned National Level Exercise 2024 activities.

The National Level Exercise is the nation’s cornerstone exercise for validating progress toward promoting and sustaining a prepared nation to respond to catastrophic events. The 2024 National Level Exercise examined the impact of a large hurricane on the Hawaiian Islands and subsequent cyber-attacks in both Guam and Hawaii.

The nine activities brought together over 900 individuals across departments, agencies and organizations to enhance the nation's readiness and resilience by fostering collaboration and innovation across the whole of community. To learn more about the National Level Exercise 2024 activities, visit the Preparedness Toolkit.

The completion of the 2024 National Level Exercise comes as FEMA marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month in September. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme focuses on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to prepare for future risks and disasters. The 2024 National Level Exercise's focus on Hawaii and Guam is just one way FEMA is working with these communities to prepare for disasters.

FEMA Blog: FEMA Staff Member Shares Their Experience on the Agency’s Emergency Manager Exchange Program

.

People in the photo (left-to-right): Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management Assistant Director Jesse Spearo, Ph.D., EMX Participant Chris Taylor, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, FEMA Region 4 Emergency Management Specialist Virgilio “Chris” Perez, FEMA Management Program Analyst Bianca Perez.

Discover the firsthand experience of an Emergency Management Planner from Miami-Dade County who embarked on a journey through FEMA's Emergency Management Exchange (EMX) Program.

Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of working in emergency management at the state and federal levels. Learn about the impactful projects and unique perspectives gained during the exchange and how this experience has enhanced the individual's ability to improve their home organization.

Read the full blog on FEMA.gov. The EMX application period closes Sept. 16. For more information on requirement details and submission process, visit Emergency Manager Exchange | FEMA.gov.

Important Deadlines and Reminders

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Presents New Webinars During September

Throughout National Preparedness Month, FEMA will host new weekly lunch-and-learn webinars related to their issue area, community preparedness around commercial nuclear plants. Topics and registration links are listed below. You can also find these sessions listed on FEMA Technological Hazards Division Lunch and Learns. Once registered, you will receive a meeting invitation with the link to join.

Topic: Contamination Monitoring for Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Incidents 

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 12.
• Time: 1-2 p.m. ET.
• Location: MS Teams - Register Here.

Topic: Overview of the REP Evaluator Prep Guide

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 19.
• Time: 1-2 p.m. ET.
• Location: MS Teams - Register Here.

Topic: Field Team Exposure Management for Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Incidents

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 26.
• Time: 1-2 p.m. ET.
• Location: MS Teams - Register Here.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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 its last office-hour session to provide an overview of recent updates. Registration is now open for the following session: 

• Session #2: Thursday, Sept. 12, from 2-3 p.m. ET.

Visit FEMA.gov to access the guide.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Apply to the Emergency Manager Exchange Program by Sept. 16

FEMA invites state, local, Tribal Nation 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. The nomination period opened Aug. 26 and is open until Sept. 16. 

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. Opportunities are available in FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery and Office of Resilience.

Emergency Managers can 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. Submit the completed package to FEMA-EMX-Nominations@fema.dhs.gov. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Save the Date and Register for Two FEMA Events During the Upcoming NYC Climate Week Sept. 23-27

Register to attend the Communicating Disaster Preparedness session on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Presenters will discuss the Summit Report and share supporting examples of successful community engagement and risk communications for disaster preparedness. There is an open Questions and Answers session.

FEMA and EPA Co-Hosted Session: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

This one-day summit is an opportunity for states, local and territorial representatives and Tribal Nations to examine resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions. Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and public, private and academic partners on a number of topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy. 

Register today to attend this hybrid day-long session. Specific details and times about the session topics are available on the registration page. There is a capacity of 1,000 online participants.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

FEMA Extends National Floodplain Administrator Training Assessment Survey to Sept. 30

For the first time in more than 15 years, FEMA is conducting a National Floodplain Administrator Needs Assessment survey of the nation’s floodplain administrators in more than 22,600 communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

We want to hear from the local officials who help protect their communities and retain existing floodplain administrators. The survey is available in English and Spanish. The survey will close on Monday, Sept. 30.

It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete the survey. It is primarily in “checkbox” format to choose from multiple answers. There are a few open-ended questions to provide specific thoughts as well.

Many of the questions seek to learn more about the capacity challenges that under-resourced local governments face and the training impacts this has on floodplain administrators. The lack of training resources may be a contributor to high turnover rates for these positions.

If you have any questions about the survey or wish to take a Spanish-language version of the survey, please contact fema-fpmtraining@fema.dhs.gov.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Attend FEMA National Preparedness Webinars

Each September, FEMA celebrates National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on preparing the nation for emergencies and disasters. FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey showed that 65% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals (AANHPI) in the United States do not believe that taking steps to prepare will make a difference. To underscore this historic effort, Administrator Criswell signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA).

Later in September, FEMA will host the following webinars:

• Research Findings Webinar: Monday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. ET: The Ad Council and creative partners will present their research and findings on the AANHPI communities. During the webinar, they will highlight how they have used data to create impactful and relevant preparedness campaigns, share lessons learned from this year’s focus groups, as well as helpful tips for communicators. This webinar is for state, local, Tribal Nations and territorial communicators. Registration link to follow.
• Engaging Communities and Communicating Preparedness Webinar: Monday, Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET: FEMA and partners will discuss messaging strategies for communicators to prepare their communities for existing and emerging hazards. Presenters will share takeaways from the Risk Communications, Crisis Communications & Community Engagement Summit report and set the stage for continued convenings. Summit learnings will be applied to examples of successful community engagement and risk communications for disaster preparedness. Speakers from multiple sectors will present on a project or initiative that highlights these concepts and participate in a facilitated panel discussion. Click on the link to register for the webinar.

For preparedness messaging, graphics and resources for National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Attend FEMA Webinars on the New National Resilience Guidance

FEMA is proud to announce the release of the National Resilience Guidance. The guidance offers a unifying vision of resilience and the principles and steps all communities and organizations can take to increase their resilience in every sector and discipline.

FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions in September and October to discuss the National Resilience Guidance and additional resources available to help new and experienced resilience practitioners improve their communities’ resilience.

Register for the following webinars: 

• Register for Webinar 1: 1-2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 24.
• Register for Webinar 2: 3-4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 26.
• Register for Webinar 3: 1-2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Oct.1.
• Register for Webinar 4: 3-4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 9.

If you require assistive accommodations to participate in these sessions, please email us at national-resilience@fema.dhs.gov. To view the document and learn more about the webinar sessions, please visit the FEMA website at National Resilience Guidance | FEMA.gov.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

FEMA Risk Map Systems Plans Outage for Infrastructure Improvement, Oct. 24-27

Nearly 40 FEMA Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (MAP) applications will be unavailable from 12 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The full list of applications affected can be viewed on this FEMA webpage.

Applications will be offline for four days as FEMA upgrades system infrastructure to improve capacity, security and reliability, enabling better service for Risk MAP customers.

During this period, users of these applications and services will be unable to access flood risk data, historic and effective flood mapping products, view flood maps, submit data to revise existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and access key applications with other capabilities.

FEMA encourages users to plan accordingly and seek alternative methods for obtaining necessary information before the outage. Common users of Risk MAP data include emergency managers, flood plain managers, prospective homebuyers, real estate agents and insurance professionals.

The agency is making every effort to minimize the length of the outage. The vast volume of Risk MAP flood data and the extensive network of applications requires this length of outage. 

All Risk MAP applications are expected to be back online and fully functional after Oct. 27.

Anyone who has questions or needs assistance should contact FEMA support at fema-riskmap-outreach@fema.dhs.gov. Visit FEMA.gov for more information on its Risk MAP products.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..