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FEMA Publishes Webinar Presentation on Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

PHILADELPHIA – FEMA Region III recently hosted four webinars on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) to help explain the program and provide guidance to potential applicants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 awards. In addition to encouraging participation from local fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments across the nation, Region III is publishing the webinar online for applicants to view. The slide deck can be accessed at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/126678.

“The Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program is just one of FEMA’s grant programs but it has an immediate effect at the local level,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “These grants provide critical equipment, supplies, vehicles, and other life saving devices to our first responders in communities across the country.”

The primary goal of the AFG is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTA) for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Interested applicants should Read through the FY 2016 AFG Application Guidance Materials before applying. In addition, other FEMA regional offices and Headquarters may offer additional webinars that are open to applicants across the nation. The full schedule is available at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/118928 and will allow applicants to gain information on the program and ask questions of national experts. The presentation is available at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/126678. Applicants may apply through the AFG Application Portal at https://www.fema.gov/e-grant-application-access. Applicants will need a registered System for Award Management (SAM) ID.

The FY2016 AFG grant application period is open until November 18, 2016 at 5:00 pm EST. Applicants with questions on their applications or the process may contact the AFG Program Help Desk toll-free at (866) 274-0960 or by email at firegrants@dhs.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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FEMA Publishes Webinar Presentation on Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Some survivors, who registered for federal disaster assistance after the March storms and flooding, may have received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that says they are ineligible. However, the reason for the decision may be something that can be easily fixed, such as providing insurance documents or new contact information.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision.

The first step is to look at the specific reason the letter was sent. If it isn’t clear, or more information is needed, a specialist at the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, video relay service) can help. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Information is also available online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Mail appeals to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Appeals and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112.

Information on how and where to file an appeal is included with the letters and in the “Help After a Disaster” booklet, which can be downloaded at FEMA.gov/help-after-disaster.

Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:

In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal phone number as well as a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address.
Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances or needs, additional damage to property discovered after the registration was filed or higher-than-anticipated costs for repairs.
Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as well as up to three written bids for repair work if those costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is recommended.
Keep a copy of the appeal letter and supporting documentation as a record.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

2016 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2016 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is open. The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by individuals and organizations that made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, better prepared, and more resilient.

Emergency management is most effective when the entire community is engaged and involved. Everyone, including faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, the private sector, tribal organizations, youth, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and older adults can make a difference in their communities before, during, and after disasters.

FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of representatives from the emergency management community will then select winners in each of the following categories:

Outstanding Citizen Corps Council
Community Preparedness Champions
Awareness to Action
Technological Innovation
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
Preparing the Whole Community
Outstanding Inclusive Initiatives in Emergency Management (new category)
Outstanding Private Sector Initiatives (new category)
Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
Outstanding Citizen Corps Partner Program
America’s PrepareAthon! in Action (new category)

Winners will be announced in the fall of 2016 and will be invited as FEMA’s honored guests at a recognition ceremony. The winner of the Preparing the Whole Community category will receive the John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award.

To be considered for this year’s awards, all submissions must be received by March 28, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and must feature program activities taking place between January 1, 2015, and March 28, 2016. Applications should be submitted to citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov.

More information about the awards is available at ready.gov/preparedness-awards.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

2016 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

Denial of Disaster Assistance May Be Appealed

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A letter denying assistance to storm survivors may not be the last word.

Every applicant for federal assistance has the right to file an appeal for another review of their case. In filing an appeal, documentation that proves the applicant’s reason for filing the appeal must be included.

A denial letter does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for assistance,” said Federal

For example, an applicant might receive a letter indicating that the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not receive all the information it needed to provide the applicant with assistance. In that particular case, an appeal that provides all the missing information may be successful,” he said.

It is important that applicants read all letters from FEMA carefully,” added Lewis.

“We want to ensure everyone who is eligible receives all the assistance they are entitled to,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Art Faulkner. “People should not be discouraged if they need to file an appeal to be sure they access the available help.”

Assistance may be denied because the applicant failed to provide complete information to support their initial claim.

Some reasons for a denial because of incomplete information are that the applicant did not:

Provide an insurance denial or settlement letter.
Provide proof that the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster;
Provide evidence of identity;
Provide documentation of the disaster damage;
Provide proof of ownership of the damaged property;
Sign all the documents.

If an applicant receives an award but believes the amount to be too low, an appeal for a higher award can be submitted with documentation to support the change to the award.

If an applicant’s damages and losses are covered by insurance, the application may be denied because FEMA cannot duplicate benefits.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of receipt of a letter denying assistance. Applicants or someone they designate to act on their behalf must explain in writing why they believe the initial response was wrong and provide any new or additional information and documents that support the appeal.

More information on filing an appeal is in the Applicant’s Guide FEMA mails to each applicant and online at www.fema.gov. Applicants may talk with experts daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. on FEMA’s toll free Helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants can check the status of their appeals by calling these same numbers or online at: www.fema.gov.

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Denial of Disaster Assistance May Be Appealed

2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2014 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, stronger, better prepared, and more resilient.

To be considered for this year’s awards, all submissions must be received by May 30, 2014, at 11:59 P.M. EST and must feature program activities taking place between January 1, 2013, and May 30, 2014.

FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of representatives from the emergency management community will then select winners in each of the following categories:

Outstanding State Citizen Corps Initiatives
Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Initiatives
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in Action
Community Preparedness Heroes
Outstanding Youth Preparedness Initiatives
Awareness to Action
Survivor Empowerment and Integration
Preparing the Whole Community
Technological Innovation

Winners will be announced in fall 2014 and will be FEMA’s honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event. The winner of the Preparing the Whole Community category will receive the John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award.

Emergency management is most effective when the whole community is engaged and involved. Faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, the private sector, tribal organizations, youth, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and all individual citizens can make a difference in their communities before, during, and after disasters.

These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the work an individual or organization has done to build a more resilient nation. More information about the awards is available at http://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps/citizen-corps-awards. Applications should be submitted to citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov and are due by May 30.

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Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Originally posted here:

2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

FEMA Honors Achievements In Community Preparedness

2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Winners Announced

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the winners of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. The Awards recognize individuals who have taken action to prepare their communities. This year, highlighted accomplishments were achieved between January 1, 2012 and June 5, 2013.

“We can only be prepared for disasters if we have strong leadership in our communities,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Today’s winners represent a cross-section of our community and demonstrate how emergency management is a shared responsibility.”

FEMA received nearly 200 applications from faith-based, non-profit, private sector, and community-based organizations, as well as individuals. Leadership from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA, with input from representatives of the whole community, selected this year’s winners from among applicants from 39 States and the District of Columbia.

The finalists each demonstrated remarkable innovation and creativity in preparing and supporting their communities. For example, the Texas School Safety Center developed a statewide approach to emphasize youth preparedness by establishing a youth preparedness summer camp that included emergency and community specific action planning in addition to leadership development. The volunteers of the Hoboken Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in New Jersey were essential in assisting the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management following Hurricane Sandy. The Illinois Citizen Corps Council leveraged local partners in their communities to help support their emergency preparedness programs.

This year, the third annual John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award is presented to the Los Angeles Fire Department South Los Angeles Teen CERT Collaborative. Solomon, founder of the blog In Case of Emergency, Read Blog, was an advocate of whole community engagement and collaboration, and noted that youth are the segment of any community most likely to bring about change in attitudes and behaviors toward emergency preparedness and resiliency. The LAFD South Los Angeles Teen CERT Collaborative, which partners with a wide variety of community organizations and empowers local youth, exemplifies many of the core themes of Solomon’s work.

Recipients of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be invited to a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. during National Preparedness Month. During the ceremony, recipients will share their community preparedness successes and lessons learned with emergency management leadership.

A complete list of this year’s recipients and the honorable mentions for each category is available at: www.ready.gov/citizen-corps-awards. Award recipients by category are as follows:

• Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives: Illinois Citizen Corps

• Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Initiatives: City of Austin CERT

• Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives: Heart of Texas Citizen Corps

• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness: Texas School Safety Center

• Community Preparedness Heroes: Volunteers of the Hoboken CERT Program

• Awareness to Action: What To Do To Make It Through Campaign

• Third Annual Recipient of the John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award: The Los Angeles Fire Department South Los Angeles Teen CERT Collaborative

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FEMA Honors Achievements In Community Preparedness

FEMA Obligates Nearly $2.8 Million to West, Texas Independent School District for Temporary Classrooms and Administrative Buildings

DENTON, Texas – A grant totaling nearly $2.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help the West Independent School District (West ISD) move forward after the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion, FEMA has announced.

After the April explosion, three of the four district campuses were no longer operational. West ISD relocated most students to temporary classrooms in nearby Waco, Texas to finish the school year.

With concerns over families returning to the community, school officials have been anxious to keep students in the City of West to attend the upcoming school year.

FEMA’s nearly $2.8 million federal grant to West ISD for Emergency Protective Measures includes funds to provide secure temporary classrooms and administrative buildings to replace those destroyed or damaged as a result of the explosion.

“Getting students back to normal schedules and attending school in their own community is an important part of the recovery,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. “These funds will help the district recover costs for adding the temporary facilities.”

The FEMA grant will pay the federal share of the eligible costs for the work. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The award is authorized under the current Emergency Declaration which provides reimbursements to the City of West and McLennan County for emergency protective measures and debris removal.

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FEMA Obligates Nearly $2.8 Million to West, Texas Independent School District for Temporary Classrooms and Administrative Buildings

Florida Mass Care Specialist Recognized For Excellence

Michael Whitehead wins Craig Irwin Memorial Award

ATLANTA – Florida mass care coordinator Michael Whitehead of Tallahassee won the Craig Irwin Memorial Award this week at the FEMA Region IV annual Individual Assistance Conference in Atlanta.

The Craig Irwin Memorial Award recognizes excellence in service and support with the individual assistance network.

“I’m honored to receive such an award,” Whitehead said. “I want to thank FEMA and all the state officers for giving me such a tremendous honor. I promise to continue working to increase our nation’s mass care capabilities.”

Following a disaster, individual assistance and/or mass care programs coordinate with federal, state, local, and voluntary/non-profit entities to provide recovery assistance to survivors.

Whitehead serves as the mass care coordinator as part of Florida’s State Emergency Response Team and is an employee of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation where he has worked for more than 25 years.

In addition to working disaster events in Florida, Whitehead has also assisted other states including Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana during Hurricane Gustav in 2008, New Jersey during Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Maryland during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Following his work in Maryland, Whitehead took two weeks of vacation time to volunteer with the American Red Cross in New York City to assist with additional Sandy response and recovery efforts.

The Craig Irwin Memorial Award is named for the long-time individual assistance and mass care officer for the state of Tennessee. Irwin, a Fairview, Tenn. native, died at the age of 60 in January 2009.

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Florida Mass Care Specialist Recognized For Excellence