FEMA Bulletin Week of September 21, 2021

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FEMA BULLETIN

Week of September 21, 2021

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In this Edition:

Important Deadlines & Reminders

Sept. 22

Comment period ends for the Community Rating System.


Sept. 22

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide webinar at 6 p.m. ET.


Sept. 23

Exercise Assistance webinar at 4 p.m. ET.


Sept. 28

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide webinar at 3 p.m. ET.

DHS Hosts Prepare to Protect Webinar

 

This National Preparedness Month, DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will host a webinar, “Prepare to Protect: Resources for Faith-Based and Community Leaders to Access FEMA Recovery and Mitigation Programs.”

 

The webinar aims to provide information about FEMA funding opportunities available for hazard mitigation projects and recent changes to recovery programs to increase equity and enable faith-based and community leaders to access funding and support the preparedness, response and recovery of communities.

 

Featured speakers include:

  • FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
  • DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Director Marcus Coleman.
  • Individual Assistance Division Director Christopher Smith.
  • Individual Assistance Division Deputy Director Matthew Redding.
  • Public Assistance Division Director Ana Montero.
  • Public Assistance Division, Office of Strategy and Policy Deputy Director Tod Wells.
  • Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division, Non-Disaster Implementation Branch Chief Ryan Janda.

 

The webinar will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 30 and will offer captioning services. For questions or additional information, contact partnerships@fema.dhs.gov.


FEMA Holds Stakeholder Call on Best Practices in Federal, State and Local Collaboration

 

FEMA will hold a stakeholder call at 2 p.m. ET on Sept. 22 to learn how successful collaborations between community organizations and the federal government are positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities before, during and after disasters.

 

Featured speakers include:

  • FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination Director Linda Mastandrea.
  • American Red Cross, Senior Associate for Disaster Health Services Mary Casey-Locklear.
  • National Council on Independent Living Executive Director Reyma McCoy McDeid.
  • FEMA Region 2 Disability Integration Advisor Kathleen Madigan.
  • Alliance Center for Independence Executive Director Carole Tonks.

 

Register in advance. To join the call, dial (800) 367 – 2403 using participant passcode: 8697969. Captioning services will be offered via captionedtext.com using event number: 4905228.

 

To learn more about how FEMA helps people with disabilities before, during and after disasters, visit FEMA.gov.


FEMA Hosts Incident Command System Webinar

 

On Sept. 24, FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute will host a webinar on National Incident Management System (NIMS) core and position specific course updates for the Incident Command System.

 

This webinar will feature stories detailing Incident Command System practitioner and instructor experiences, as well as updates on the status and direction of ongoing projects for both curricula.

 

You can chose between two webinar times:  

 

Session 1: 11 p.m. ET

  • Meeting ID: 160 984 6855
  • Passcode: 107780

 

Session 2: 3 p.m. ET

  • Meeting ID: 161 417 5054
  • Passcode: 958682

 

The webinar will feature a panel of practitioners and instructors from across the NIMS Incident Command System core and position specific curricula. Moderators will guide a facilitated discussion based on pre-submitted questions.

 

Visit FEMA.gov for Incident Command System resources and training.FEMA.gov for course information about the Incident Command System.


Congressional Support for National Preparedness Month

 

Fourteen members of Congress are serving as 2021 co-sponsors for the 2021 National Preparedness Month. Throughout September, the FEMA Bulletin will feature statements from these members.

 

Representative Bennie Thompson, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security:

 

"Every year, National Preparedness Month serves as a key opportunity to create or review your emergency plans, re-stock your emergency kits, and spread awareness within your communities. As our nation continues to combat COVID-19, faces a destructive and record-breaking wildfire season and active hurricane season, it is more critical than ever to be vigilant and collaborate as families and communities to make certain we are all prepared."

 

Representative John Katko, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security:

 

"This year, our Nation has already witnessed massive wildfires, severe flooding, tornadoes, and even ice storms. Just last month, communities across my home state of New York faced extreme weather conditions as a result of Hurricane Henri. Incidents like this highlight the importance of preparedness to minimizing the potentially devastating impacts of disasters. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I would be remiss if I didn’t note that this month also marks the 20th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack that our country has ever seen. While I encourage every individual to evaluate their own personal preparedness, we must also be sure to continue to support our law enforcement and first responders so that they remain ready to keep us safe from all disasters and emergencies – natural and manmade. I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the 2021 National Preparedness Month and cannot stress enough the importance of emergency preparedness."

 

Representative Val Demings, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery:

 

"Our foremost responsibility is the safety and security of the American people. As we enter National Preparedness Month, we have an important opportunity to raise awareness and ensure that our communities are prepared for an emergency or disaster at any time. From hurricanes to fires, floods to earthquakes, cyber-attacks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for every American to reevaluate your emergency plan, stock up on any needed supplies, and ensure that you and your family are prepared and protected. We will continue our work to protect you and your family. Stay safe."

 

Representative Kat Cammack, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery:

 

"This year, I'm proud to be a congressional co-chair for this year’s National Preparedness Month. As the lead Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, I understand just how important it is for everyone to be prepared when disasters strike. In Florida, we’re no strangers to hurricane season, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to make sure all Americans are equipped for any situation."

 

Visit Ready.gov to see the list of 14 Congressional co-chairs who are helping promote National Preparedness Month throughout the country.  You too can help share preparedness messaging by using the social media safety graphics during the month of September.

NPM Graphic

STEP into Youth Preparedness this National Preparedness Month

STEP - Ready

 

Anytime is a good time to learn about preparedness, but there is perhaps no better time than National Preparedness Month. The updated Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) curriculum and digital hazard lessons can be used in the classroom or at home on your computer or tablet. They also can be a part of scout, camp or afterschool and community activities.

 

STEP helps youth understand a variety of hazards, from tornadoes to pandemics and how to stay safe. Lessons are tailored for students in the fourth and fifth grade but can be adjusted for older and younger students alike.

 

This free resource is available in print and online and offers three core lessons that introduce emergency preparedness. These lessons walk students through creating an emergency kit and a family communication plan. Additionally, there are five disaster-specific hazard lessons that incorporate more virtual-friendly materials. Dive deeper into learning about severe weather, earthquakes, fires, floods and pandemics.

 

The entire package includes detailed instructor guides with lesson plans and teaching tips; a video series; podcasts; an activity book with 18 fun, interactive and hands-on activities; digital badges and certificates to celebrate completion; and tips to involve family and the whole community. Educators from across the country ordered over 22,000 STEP activity guides in 2020.

 

Download the updated Student Tools for Emergency Planning on Ready.gov or order print materials from FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness program.


FEMA Issues Final Rule for Mitigation Programs

 

On Sept. 10, FEMA published the final rule in the Federal Register that includes an update to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs and mitigation planning regulations. The rule incorporates requirements enacted by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) and reflect uniform administrative requirements.

 

FEMA implemented most of these changes administratively through an update to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance in the 2015 update. Codifying the changes in federal regulations reduces mitigation program complexities. The updates include replacing outdated terms and definitions that better align with legal requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 2 part 200: Uniform Administrative Guidance.

 

The update to outdated terms and definitions impacts FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance program regulations, as well as the property acquisition and relocation for open space and mitigation planning regulations.

 

The final rule will be effective on Oct. 1 and can be viewed at Regulations.gov by using the Docket ID: FEMA-2019-0011. 


FEMA Releases Case Studies on Santa Clara Pueblo’s Wildfire and Flood Recovery Efforts

 

The Santa Clara Canyon and Creek are the lifelines of the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribe, in New Mexico.

 

The 2011 Las Conchas Wildfire severely damaged the natural landscape along the creek’s tributaries, dramatically increasing flooding and erosion risk throughout the steep canyon.

 

The tribe received four additional Presidential Disaster Declarations spanning from 2012 to 2014 due to flash flooding incidents resulting from the wildfire damage.

 

How did the tribe manage these risks while recovering?

 

 Read the recently released case studies on the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribe’s inspiring story to find out:

 

You can read more case studies on FEMA.gov.


Upcoming Deadlines and Reminders

 

FEMA Announces Funding Opportunities for BRIC and FMA Grant Programs

 

FEMA posted funding notices for two hazard mitigation grant programs for $1.16 billion. 

 

The Flood Mitigation Assistance and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities provides funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness. These programs fund projects that invest in a more resilient nation, reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs.

 

The application period opens on Sept. 30 and the funding notices are available on Grants.gov.

 

Eligible applicants must apply for funding using FEMA Grants Outcomes, the agency’s grants management system. Submit applications in FEMA Grants Outcome Portal no later than 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 28, 2022. Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

 

Interested applicants should contact their hazard mitigation officer for more information. For more information visit FEMA.gov.

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FEMA Offers Exercise Assistance to Stakeholders

 

FEMA is accepting requests for exercise support through the National Exercise Program. State, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions can request no-cost assistance for exercise design, development, conduct and evaluation to validate capabilities across all mission areas.

 

FEMA is hosting webinars for all interested governments and other community partners on the exercise support process.

 

Please visit the webinar webpage to register. The webinar dates are:

  • 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 23.
  • 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 1.

 

Fall 2021 requests for support are due no later than Nov. 1. To submit a request for exercise support, download the nomination form, then email the completed form with any supporting documentation to NEP@fema.dhs.gov. Awardees will be notified by Dec. 10. FEMA will hold additional exercise support rounds in the spring and fall of 2022.

 

For questions, contact FEMA at NEP@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA Seeks Public Comments About the Community Rating System

 

FEMA posted in the Federal Register a Request for Information to gather public feedback about ways the agency could consider modifying, streamlining and/or innovating to improve the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. The comment period will close Sept. 22.

 

To submit written comments, use Docket ID: FEMA-2021-0021 in the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions on the page and contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk if you have technical issues.

 

For additional information on the Community Rating System Request for Information, visit FEMA.gov

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FEMA Updates Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101

 

FEMA updated the “Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans.” 

 

To assist with the rollout, FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions to discuss the update and key changes to CPG 101 with whole community partners. These webinars will highlight the changes in the document and help planners at all levels utilize the principles, concepts, tools and process from the CPG 101.

 

Advance registration is required and on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click on the preferred session:

 

To download the document and learn more about and register for the webinar sessions, visit FEMA.gov.

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