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On Aug. 7, FEMA made $40 million available to states and tribal nations under the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program. Recipients can use these grants to identify capability gaps and implement solutions for alerts and warnings to deliver timely emergency information to the public and to protect critical infrastructure.
As technology, cybersecurity threats and public preferences for consuming content continue to change, grant recipients will work with FEMA to explore available, flexible, innovative and forward-looking capabilities to share Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (also known as IPAWS) compatible emergency alerts and warnings.
The grant will explore and embrace currently available and emerging technology with audio and visual capabilities across all platforms to enable interactive and actionable emergency communications to the public. These technologies include existing and new distribution pathways, including streaming services, sirens, giant-voice systems, satellites, internet-connected devices and other solutions.
This grant program focuses on enhancing alert and warning capabilities and improving the resiliency of IPAWS-compatible emergency alert and warning systems through effective services, solutions and technology to improve the timely delivery of public safety information. Grantees will coordinate and execute collaborative whole-community public warning field training, testing, exercises and evaluation to support the development of alert and warning governance, policies, plans and procedures while improving cross-jurisdictional coordination before, during and after incidents.
This announcement comes after a critical evaluation of all grant programs and recipients to root out waste, fraud and abuse and deliver accountability for the American taxpayer.
States and other eligible applicants should carefully review each Notice of Funding Opportunity to learn eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and applications periods. All Notices of Funding Opportunity are available on Grants.gov.
FEMA is committed to using these federal funds to empower states to take charge of their own disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This will strengthen the security and resilience of the entire nation.
FEMA released the updated Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide.
The updated guide—retroactive to Jan. 20—has been edited to ensure compliance with administration priorities by removing references to rescinded presidential executive orders. It also incorporates federal regulation changes, reduces duplicative language and removes the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard.
Descriptions of more key updates are available at Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide | FEMA.gov.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that protect life and property from future disasters to build a more-resilient nation.
The guide supports stakeholder efforts by providing clear guidance on hazard mitigation goals and regulatory compliance. It remains a critical resource for understanding FEMA's hazard mitigation assistance programs and policies.
Users may access the updated guide on FEMA.gov.
Individuals affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on May 16 in Scott County, St. Louis County or the city of St. Louis now have until Aug. 26 to apply for FEMA assistance.
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 insurance or 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.
- 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 applying for FEMA assistance, specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number.
For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4877.
FEMA’s National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) announced the 2026 Executive Public Information Officer (PIO) cohort, marking the 10th class since the program’s inception.
Twenty-four public information professionals, representing 16 states and the District of Columbia, were selected to participate through a rigorous and highly competitive application process.
Over the course of 10 months, the cohort will strengthen their capabilities in strategic decision-making, leadership and policy development. The course’s goal is to empower these professionals to become trusted advisors and executive-level leaders within their agencies and organizations.
As part of the program, each participant will complete a research paper on a timely and relevant topic designed to advance the public information profession and contribute to the broader emergency management field.
To learn more about the Executive PIO program or other PIO training opportunities, visit NDEMU PIO Program.
Congratulations to the 2026 Cohort of Executive Public Information Officers:
- Tiffanie Barrett – SC.
- Jennifer Ciaccia – OH.
- Derek Delgado – TX.
- Tyler Dumont – NH.
- Ashley Franco – CO.
- Ashley Gann – AL.
- Kristin Hellmich – AL.
- James Hicks – NC.
- Stephanie Lewis – FL.
- Charles Lubowicki – CT.
- Nicole Maul – CA.
- Richard Northam – NC.
- Justin Otto – KY.
- Michael Pruitt – IN.
- Christina Pullen – DC.
- Barbara Ramey – WA.
- Allison Richmond – NC.
- Glenn Sanchez – VA.
- Katherine Schiffner – WA.
- Eric Sieger – NC.
- Hollie Stark – WA.
- Charles Uchendu – MA.
- Victorian Simmons – NC.
Tennessee Individuals Affected by May Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes and Flooding Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Until Aug. 19
Individuals affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from April 2-24 in the designated areas of Tennessee can apply for FEMA assistance by Aug. 19.
Affected individuals should first file claims with their insurance providers, then apply for assistance.
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.
- Find in-person FEMA support at fema.gov/drc.
When applying for FEMA assistance, specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number.
For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4878.
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FEMA Assistance Deadline Extended to Aug. 22 for Kentucky Individuals Affected by May Tornadoes
Individuals and counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17 in the designated areas of Kentucky now have until Aug. 22 to apply for FEMA assistance.
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 duplicate insurance benefits or other sources of assistance. Eligible counties for Individual Assistance are Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union.
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.
- 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 applying for FEMA assistance, specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number.
For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4875.
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FEMA Begins Process to Update the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Manual
In preparation for the next update of the manual in 2027, FEMA is requesting public comments on the current 2023 edition of the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Manual.
The public comment period will be open until Sept. 30.
To submit a comment:
- Access the 2023 manual on FEMA.gov.
- Complete a Comment Matrix form to capture relevant details, such as page number, background information and recommended solution language.
- Email a copy of the completed Comment Matrix to FEMATHDPolicy@fema.dhs.gov, with the subject line “2023 RPM Public Comment.”
Please note, if you participated in FEMA’s recent Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Scenario Guidance Listening Sessions, FEMA has captured your feedback, and you do not need submit a comment.
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