FEMA Bulletin Week of February 18, 2025

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FEMA BULLETIN

Week of February 18, 2025

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In this Edition:

Important Deadlines & Reminders

March 8

Application Period for FEMA Assistance Ends for North Carolina. 


March 10

Application Period for FEMA Assistance Ends for Los Angeles County, California. 


President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Kentucky

 

On Sunday, Feb. 16, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds flooding and landslides beginning on Feb. 14 and continuing. 

 

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

 

This assistance is for all 120 counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

 

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding.  

 

Jeremy Slinker has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.

 

For more information, visit 3624 | FEMA.gov.

 


FEMA's National Youth Preparedness Council Applications Due March 3

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YPC Promo

 

FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness (YPC) Council until March 3. The Youth Preparedness Council brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.

 

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts to make a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

 

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 also engage with leaders within FEMA, the federal government and national nonprofit organizations.

 

Jiaming Zhang, 2024-2025 Youth Preparedness Council member and project group team lead, appreciates the impact of his time on the council.

 

“Being a part of the YPC has been an enriching experience, but what I've enjoyed most is the opportunity to collaborate with [others] who share a commitment to community service and disaster preparedness. Engaging with FEMA officials allowed me to gain valuable insights into their expectations, priorities and suggestions for project planning,” said Zhang. “Having the chance to ask questions and receive guidance directly from seasoned experts was incredibly beneficial and has undoubtedly enhanced my understanding of effective project management in the realm of emergency preparedness.”

 

Youth interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than Monday, March 3. New council members will be announced by June.

 

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council, visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.

 


Attend FEMA’s Webinar on How to Develop an Incident After-Action Report

Webinar Session Icon

 

FEMA will host a webinar on how to develop after-action reports for real-world incidents from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 25. This webinar will emphasize approaches for completing incident after-action reviews outlined in FEMA’s National Continuous Improvement Guidance.

 

After-action reports remain the most common continuous improvement product in emergency management. During this webinar, FEMA will equip participants with a systematic after-action approach for identifying and building on strengths and potential best practices and addressing areas for improvement. The webinar will also review resources focused on developing after-action reports available on the Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program's (CITAP) website.

 

The webinar is designed for state, local, Tribal Nation and territorial partners, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other entities involved in emergency management functions engaged in continuous improvement efforts.

 

To attend the webinar, register in advance by visiting the event page on FEMA.gov and click the "Register" button. If an issue arises while registering or logging in, please email the FEMA CITAP team at FEMA-CITAP@fema.dhs.gov.

 


Register for FEMA's February Business and Industry Call on Feb. 25

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February Business and Industry Call

 

Join FEMA for the February Business and Industry Call from 3-4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

 

Collaboration among governments, businesses and industry partners is essential for effectively addressing the needs of disaster survivors. These entities are key in providing resources and support to communities through procurement opportunities. This month’s webinar will focus on emergency procurement and contracting, nationally and locally, in advance of disaster response.

 

Join our expert speakers as they provide overviews of procurement and contracting resources and share insights on navigating opportunities with federal and local contract vehicles. Register today by visiting Webinar Registration - Zoom. For more information, visit the February Business and Industry Call event page.

 

FEMA's Office of Business, Industry and Infrastructure Integration hosts monthly business and industry calls to update members of the National Business Emergency Operations Center, business and industry organizations, and FEMA partners on the tools available during all stages of the disaster lifecycle. Each month features different topics presented by FEMA experts, other interagency partners, and business and industry organizations. For organizations interested in joining the National Business Emergency Operations Center, please visit FEMA.gov.

 


Important Deadlines and Reminders

 

North Carolinians Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Until March 8

FEMA remains committed to helping survivors in Western North Carolina recover, working closely with the state, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other local and voluntary agencies to remove debris, repair infrastructure and provide housing solutions for survivors.

 

Survivors in North Carolina have until March 8 to apply for federal assistance. If you were affected by Tropical Storm Helene, you may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance.

 

You can apply for FEMA assistance by the following: 

If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company first. You can apply for FEMA assistance before or after, but you’ll need your insurance settlement or denial letter for FEMA to determine what it can cover.

 

For more information on recovery efforts and available resources, visit 4827 | FEMA.gov.

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Los Angeles County Wildfire Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Until March 10

If you were affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County, you may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance. You can apply for FEMA assistance by the following: 

If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company first. You can apply for FEMA assistance before or after, but you’ll need your insurance settlement or denial letter for FEMA to determine what it can cover.

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the wildfires is March 10. 

 

FEMA continues to work with state, local, federal, nonprofit and Tribal Nation partners to support the California wildfire response, with teams actively on the ground to support the state-led disaster response. For more information and resources, visit 4856 | FEMA.gov

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