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FEMA Strategically Positioned Personnel and Resources to Support State and Local Officials Ahead of Storm
In response to Hurricane Isaias, President Donald J. Trump swiftly approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida and Georgia to support state-led, locally executed response and recovery efforts.
The President’s action authorized FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts to provide federal assistance to save lives, protect property, public health and safety and to reduce or prevent further impacts from the storm.
Federal emergency declarations allow states to tap into federal support through FEMA to provide lifesaving, life-sustaining resources, including restoring power, clearing roads for emergency services and keeping communities safe.
Under the emergency declarations, FEMA Public Assistance is available at a 75% federal cost share for eligible emergency protective measure to the following states:
Hurricane Isaias made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on Oct. 9. FEMA activated coordination capabilities and positioned personnel and resources to support state requests before, during and after the storm.
- FEMA staff were embedded with state emergency operations centers across the Southeast.
- Urban Search and Rescue teams were staged throughout the region ahead of potential impacts.
- Incident Management Assistance Teams were deployed to Alabama, Georgia and Florida to enhance coordination on site, facilitating any state requests for federal support.
- Mobile Emergency Response Support assets were deployed to Florida and Alabama, providing mobile communications, logistics and operations capabilities for responders.
- Urban Search and Rescue teams were positioned ahead of potential impacts. Those teams have completed their missions.
- Coordinated with state, local, tribal, voluntary and other federal partners to support lifesaving and life-sustaining operations.
- Staged commodities and equipment, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, cots and generators, to support state requests.
Recovery and Safety Information
State and local officials continue leading lifeline stabilization and recovery efforts, while FEMA and other federal partners continue to align resources with state needs. State and local officials are assessing damages across impacted regions with FEMA on the ground to support. These assessments will help the state determine whether the extent of damages warrants a request for federal assistance.
For state updates, visit:
Residents and visitors should continue to follow guidance from local officials and monitor local weather.
Follow these safety tips before returning home or beginning cleanup:
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Follow Official Guidance: Return only when local officials say it is safe and allowed.
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Stay Informed: Continue to follow state, local and tribal officials for shelter, road-closure, water-safety and other recovery updates.
- Call 211 or visit your local emergency management agency or community website for the location of shelters. You can also find shelters by visiting the American Red Cross shelter locator or calling 800-RED-CROSS.
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Avoid Hazards: Stay away from floodwater, unstable structures, downed power lines, debris, gas leaks and damaged roads. Avoid entering buildings that appear structurally damaged until they can be assessed.
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Clean Up Safely: Use caution with chainsaws and cleanup equipment. Wear protective clothing, take frequent breaks and avoid working alone when possible.
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Document Damage: Take photos of damage and keep receipts for cleanup and repairs.
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Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Use generators outdoors only. Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement or other enclosed area. Using generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
For the latest information on federal assistance and FEMA’s role during this disaster, visit FEMA.gov | Press Releases.
Last week, President Donald J. Trump approved nine major disaster declarations that make recovery assistance available to seven states, one territory and one tribal nation.
Individual Assistance is available under the following major disaster declarations:
Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot pay for expenses that other sources will cover.
The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language site DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
If you need more information or additional help:
- Download the FEMA App.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages. If you use a relay service—such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others—provide FEMA the number for that service.
- If in Guam, you can also call the local, toll-free line at 671-735-1050.
- Find in-person FEMA support at fema.gov/drc.
To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.
When You Apply, Ensure the Disaster Declaration Number is Accurate
When you apply, specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number. If you were affected by multiple disasters, you should apply separately for each disaster.
Public Assistance is available under the following major disaster declarations:
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Guam: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Super Typhoon Bavi from July 4-12. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for Guam.
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New Hampshire: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from June 10-11. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for New Hampshire.
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Hawaii: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by two disasters:
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Oklahoma: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on July 4. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for Oklahoma.
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Utah: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire, flooding and mudslides from July 13-24. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for Utah.
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Wisconsin: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and tornadoes on July 27. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin.
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Pueblo of Zuni: Assistance is available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from July 16-21. Learn more at: Major Disaster Declaration for the Pueblo of Zuni.
Public Assistance funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance program at FEMA.gov.
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA continues to strengthen safeguards, support the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and work closely with law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who defraud disaster assistance programs. FEMA remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring aid reaches the survivors who genuinely need it.
North Carolina Woman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding FEMA After Hurricane Helene
Two weeks ago, a North Carolina woman was sentenced to three years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for defrauding FEMA following Hurricane Helene. She was also ordered to pay more than $30,000 in restitution for false claims.
In February 2025, the woman filed an application for disaster assistance with FEMA for a dwelling she claimed was in Marion, North Carolina. She falsely claimed the residence was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. In the application, the woman asserted she rented the property and that the damaged dwelling was her primary residence. Days later, she falsely amended her FEMA application’s residential status from renter to owner of the damaged dwelling. The next day, she falsely represented to a FEMA inspector that she owned the residential trailer that was destroyed, but not the land where the trailer was placed.
In March 2025, the woman submitted a handwritten letter to FEMA attesting that the information she had provided was “true and correct,” falsely claiming that she had purchased the dwelling for $8,500 and that she had lived there for 25 years. She also falsely attested that all her important personal documents “got washed away by Hurricane Helene.” During that month, FEMA paid the woman’s false claim and wired her more than $30,000.
Contrary to her claims, the woman never lived at, rented or owned a residence or structure at that location, and no dwelling existed at that location at the time the storm struck the area. At the time Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, the woman was an inmate with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and outside of the effects of the storm.
Massachusetts Man Pleaded Guilty to Wire Fraud and Fraudulent Use of Government Seals and Faces Deportation
Two weeks ago, a Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and fraudulent use of government seals after falsely portraying his organization as a FEMA-endorsed federal agency. The defendant, a Brazilian national who entered the United States in 2016 and overstayed his visa, was arrested Feb. 19, at Orlando International Airport after traveling from Boston. He is in removal proceedings and faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 18.
While the courses were free, attendees paid approximately $400 to $450 for certificates. Approximately 30 to 45 people attended the course. The defendant falsely told attendees that receiving a certificate could provide protection from immigration enforcement and deportation.
The defendant also sold clothing, badges, stickers and other merchandise bearing DHS or FEMA seals. During an undercover operation at a training course last fall, a confidential informant purchased several items.
The organization’s website, social media accounts and group chat, which had more than 750 members when the investigation began in August 2025, promoted upcoming courses and displayed an altered DHS seal. The organization also falsely claimed accreditation from the International Association for Continuing Education and Training and the American Council on Education.
The application deadline for FEMA’s 2027 Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship has been extended to Saturday, Oct. 31.
Who Should Apply
Senior executives and experienced crisis leaders are invited to apply for the two-week, senior-level leadership program offered by FEMA’s National Disaster and Emergency Management University. The fellowship supports leaders from government, academia, nongovernmental, philanthropic and private-sector organizations in strengthening the skills needed to lead through complex, uncertain and rapidly changing crises.
The 2027 Vanguard Fellowship Schedule
Week one will be held at a rotating offsite location. Week two will be held in Washington, D.C. and typically includes visits with elected officials and Department of Homeland Security and FEMA leadership.
Cohort 13:
- Week One: Feb. 1-5, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee
- Week Two: Feb. 22-26, 2027, in Washington, D.C.
Cohort 14:
- Week One: March 15-19, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Week Two: April 12-16, 2027, in Washington, D.C.
Cohort 15:
- Week One: May 10-14, 2027, in Denver, Colorado
- Week Two: June 21-25, 2027, in Washington, D.C.
Fellowship Selection Process
Applicants must submit their application by Oct. 31 to be considered for the 2027 Vanguard cohorts. After application review by the selection board, selectees will be notified by Nov. 30.
For more information and application instructions, visit the Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship webpage.
The October 2026 edition of the FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) Snapshot Report is now available, highlighting the power of partnership and community in times of need.
The monthly snapshot provides FEMA’s nongovernmental partners with updates on current disaster activity, recovery operations and partner-led efforts supporting survivors and communities nationwide. Each snapshot highlights examples of collaboration among voluntary, philanthropic, private sector, faith-based and community-based organizations working alongside emergency management partners before, during and after disasters.
Community Partners Deliver Relief After Southeast Georgia Wildfires
When wildfires impacted southeast Georgia, Pathfinder Relief Solutions and the Emergency Response Network mobilized quickly, delivering approximately 1,500 pounds of water, sports drinks, food and other relief supplies to support firefighters and affected communities.
"In the wake of disaster, every act of service delivery is a reminder that no community stands alone," said Office of Response and Recovery Associate Administrator David Arnold.
Working alongside local teachers, students, churches, volunteers and nonprofit partners helped meet immediate needs while strengthening relationships for future response efforts.
More Stories in the October VAL Snapshot Report
The October VAL Snapshot Report features additional stories about FEMA's nongovernmental partners supporting disaster survivors and communities throughout the United States, tribal nations and territories. Read the full newsletter at: October VAL Snapshot Report.
Stand Ready for Earthquakes: Participate in the Great ShakeOut Drill on October 15
The world’s largest earthquake drill takes place each year at 10:15 a.m. (your local time) on Thursday, Oct. 15. Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to participate in the 2026 Great ShakeOut earthquake drill! You can spread awareness of earthquake safety by sharing your ShakeOut participation. Take a photo and mention ShakeOut and earthquake safety in your post.
Participation in the ShakeOut drill allows each of us to take proactive steps before an earthquake. Additionally, by encouraging others to do the same, we can all contribute to the safety, security and resilience of the nation.
To learn more about ShakeOut, visit ShakeOut.org. You can also text “shakeout” to 43362 to receive texts from FEMA about earthquake readiness tips and safety information.
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Learn How to Build Safer at the Big Build Event on October 17
FEMA will participate in the annual Big Build event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The Big Build is a free, family-friendly event that gives visitors of all ages an interactive look at how homes, buildings and communities are designed and built through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
The event brings together professionals from across the building industry, including construction, engineering, architecture and skilled trades. FEMA will help visitors explore how natural hazards can affect homes and communities and show how building science can reduce damage and protect lives.
Registration is required for the Big Build event. To register and learn more, visit the National Building Museum webpage.
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FEMA Corps Team Member Applications Due October 19
The FEMA Corps program is accepting applications for its 2027 class of future emergency managers. Following a review and refocus to align with FEMA’s core mission and the Trump Administration's priorities, the program will select about 80 members and 10 team leaders to serve from February 2027 to November 2027. The team leader application deadline has passed, but the team member application deadline is Monday, Oct. 19.
Apply to be a FEMA Corps Member:
FEMA Corps graduates may receive an education award upon completion, which can be used for tuition or student loans and relocation expenses. Additionally, FEMA Corps members receive paid housing and a weekly stipend for food and living expenses, all while being deployed to serve communities in need across the country. To learn more, visit AmeriCorps NCCC.
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FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission Schedule
Nationwide 2026 Emergency Alert System Test for November 17
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 17. Through this test, FEMA will assess how participating broadcasters and other communications providers receive and relay a national test message to the public.
FEMA is required by law to conduct a nationwide test of the public alert and warning system at least once every three years. These tests evaluate the operational readiness and effectiveness of external Emergency Alert System participants and the infrastructure they use to relay national emergency messages to the public. Emergency Alert System participants include thousands of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
The test message will state, “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 2:20 to 2:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.” The test message may be delivered as audio, on-screen text or both, depending on the provider. After the test concludes, normal programming will resume.
This week, FEMA will host two webinars for broadcasters and radio operators participating in the test. Additional details are posted on the .
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