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National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016

WASHINGTON – This week, federal departments and agencies from across the government began the National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016. This event is a biennial, national-level exercise to test the federal government’s ability to protect the American public by preparing for, preventing, mitigating against, and responding to catastrophic incidents.

Capstone 2016 is based on analysis of past exercises, national preparedness data, and perspectives from partner agencies. This data-driven approach to designing the exercise series showed a need to examine federal capabilities for preventing and protecting against a catastrophic incident, in addition to coordinating an effective response.

Capstone 2016 involves a series of five events. The exercise began with an analysis of threats originating abroad and then will transition into a domestic crisis management and emergency response exercise. This multi-component design recognizes the need for comprehensive government-wide planning and interagency operations. The exercise is national in scope with the goal of fostering coordination and building relationships prior to an incident.

Various capabilities of the federal government will be tested, which will prompt participants to prevent terrorist acts against the homeland, coordinate the response to a catastrophic incident, communicate to the American people, and continue performing essential government functions during a disaster.

Capstone 2016 examines core capabilities described in the National Preparedness Goal and examines the ability of senior federal leaders and key partners to share and act upon information to achieve common and accurate situational awareness, inform crisis action planning, and establish priorities for life-saving and life-sustaining operations in response to a credible threat.

By congressional mandate, the Capstone exercise represents the culmination of the two-year National Exercise Program cycle and is designed to educate and prepare participants for potential catastrophic events. Capstone 2016 serves as the culminating event for the 2015-2016 cycle. These exercises are facilitated by FEMA’s National Exercise Division.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to take steps to be ready for disasters by learning about risks in their areas and making a plan. Visit www.ready.gov to learn easy steps on how individuals and families can prepare and take action.

For more information on these exercises, visit https://www.fema.gov/national-exercise-program.

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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.

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National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016

FEMA & Operation HOPE Renew Collaboration during September’s National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and HOPE Coalition America (HCA), the emergency preparedness and financial recovery division of Operation HOPE, signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday renewing their 11-year collaboration to promote financial preparedness and support for recovery after emergencies and disasters. The renewal of this collaboration took place during National Preparedness Month, a nationwide, month-long effort hosted by the Ready Campaign, encouraging households, businesses, and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies.

“Being financially prepared before, during, and after a disaster can help families and communities recover faster when disaster strikes,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “This memorandum of agreement will help to make our communities more financially secure and our nation more resilient.”

The memorandum of agreement outlines a wide array of collaborative actions between FEMA and Operation HOPE, including efforts to provide pre-disaster financial education materials and information to communities, establishing and updating procedures to provide free financial guidance, and case management to survivors in the event of a major disaster or emergency, and efforts to recruit and train volunteers to provide financial preparation and recovery guidance to survivors.

“Operation HOPE helps individuals, families and small businesses regain their financial health and economic stability after a natural disaster or national emergency,” said Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman, and CEO John Hope Bryant. “We’re pleased to renew our partnership with FEMA and assist their efforts to help Americans be better prepared for adverse events. As such, HOPE Inside locations nationwide will now include access and resources offering HCA services.”

Over the past several years, FEMA and HCA have leveraged resources from each other to help individuals and families prepare for disasters, or recover from disasters in the shortest possible time. FEMA has also partnered with Operation HOPE to encourage individuals, families and businesses to collect and safeguard the critical documents they will need to help them start the process through the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). The EFFAK is a resource for financial preparedness, providing step-by-step instructions on the protection of personal assets and financial information to reduce vulnerability after a disaster. This simple tool can help Americans identify and organize key financial, insurance, medical, and legal records, and is available at www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.

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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.

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FEMA & Operation HOPE Renew Collaboration during September’s National Preparedness Month

Portlight Strategies and FEMA Partner to Address Disability Accessibility and Disaster Preparedness

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Portlight Strategies (Portlight) announced an agreement that will increase preparedness awareness for people with disabilities in the event of natural or man-made disasters. The agreement aligns with FEMA’s commitment to inclusive emergency management by partnering with disability organizations and community leaders who serve the whole community at the local level.

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are also reinforcing our commitment to serving the whole community before, during and after disasters,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “By having preparedness plans and thinking ahead, individuals, families and communities will be ready to respond to these events when they occur.”

The new partnership will bolster working relationships with state, local, tribal and territorial emergency managers to encourage including people with disabilities in planning. It will also provide information so people understand the disaster risks in their area. By evaluating their own individual needs and making an emergency plan that ﬁts those needs, people can be better prepared.

Some key highlights from the agreement show that FEMA and Portlight will:

Participate in training events and natural and simulation exercises, drills, and discussions focused on emergency preparedness and lessening the impact of disasters;
Share operational practices that work well and that may be adapted to make improvements in service delivery and support community resilience and accessibility for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; and
Share research-based emergency management data and information and training experience and expertise before, during, and after disasters.

“We’re excited about this next important step in our relationship with FEMA and the ways it will enhance our ability to serve the disability community in times of disaster,” said Paul Timmons Jr., Portlight Co-founder and Board Chair. “It embodies our philosophy that there must be nothing about us without us.”

The primary mission of Portlight Strategies, Inc. (Portlight) is to provide disaster relief and recovery services specifically for people with disabilities and to facilitate accessible services—compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)—from all providers, whether governmental or non-governmental.

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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.

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Portlight Strategies and FEMA Partner to Address Disability Accessibility and Disaster Preparedness

FEMA Encourages Young People to Join Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced it is seeking applicants for its Youth Preparedness Council. The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving youth in preparedness-related activities and provides an opportunity for young people to offer their perspectives, feedback and insights on how to help make America more resilient.

“Young people play a key role in advancing emergency preparedness and informing our efforts,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The Youth Preparedness Council offers FEMA the unique opportunity to benefit from the perspectives of young people, while also empowering them to engage with their communities to increase readiness.”

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country who are interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities, and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness.

As advocates for preparedness, Council members will complete a self-selected youth preparedness project and have the opportunity to share their opinions, ideas, solutions and questions about youth disaster preparedness with FEMA leadership and national organizations working on preparedness initiatives. Members also have the opportunity to brief FEMA officials on strategies, initiatives and projects throughout their one-year term.

To apply, Youth Preparedness Council applicants must be 13 to 17 years old. They must also be engaged in individual and community preparedness or have experienced a disaster that motivated them to make a positive difference in their community. Individuals who applied for 2014 are encouraged to apply again. Current Council members have an option to extend for an additional year, upon FEMA request. Adults working with youth or on community preparedness are encouraged to share the application with young people who might be interested in applying for the Youth Preparedness Council.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must submit a completed application form (link to be provided once available) and two letters of recommendation. Completed applications and all supporting materials must be received no later than March 2, 2015, 11:59 p.m. EST. New Youth Preparedness Council members will be announced in May 2015.

For more information about completing and submitting the application, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

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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.

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FEMA Encourages Young People to Join Youth Preparedness Council

Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

LINCROFT, N.J. — Recertification is a standard process that FEMA uses to identify households who qualify for continued temporary housing assistance.

The recertification process applies if the applicant either received financial assistance (rental funds) to rent an alternative place to live, or if the applicant received a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit.

Financial Assistance:

Applicants who received rental assistance will receive a letter from FEMA requesting additional information if funds are needed for continued housing assistance.
Applicants receiving rental assistance who need additional funds can also request assistance through the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate they have a continued housing need and that they have expended all rental funds previously received.

Direct Assistance:

A FEMA-provided temporary housing unit is a temporary solution for occupants until they can return to their primary residence or find other permanent housing.
FEMA staff will call and set up an appointment to meet with the applicant in the temporary housing unit. While there, they will check the condition of their unit; and if the unit requires repairs, a work order request will be submitted.
Occupants are responsible for developing and actively pursuing a permanent housing plan (repair, rebuild, replace) while in FEMA-provided temporary housing units.
FEMA staff will assist the occupants in developing a permanent housing plan so they can return to a similar pre-disaster housing situation.
FEMA staff regularly check on the progress of an occupant’s permanent housing plan. Staff conducts an initial interview with occupants followed by additional visits after an additional 30 days depending on the housing plan. Interim contacts may be necessary in some cases.
Occupants should expect to provide information about repairs to their permanent residences or about contacts made to resources that can assist them in securing permanent housing.
A recommendation by FEMA staff to extend an occupant’s housing agreement is based on a set of criteria including the estimated completion date of a reasonable housing plan. Recommendations are subject to approval.
Occupants with no options are steered to rental resources or state programs that may be of assistance.
If occupants refuse three suitable rental resources provided by FEMA for no valid reasons, they may be found ineligible to receive continued housing assistance by FEMA and may have to find alternative housing at their own expense.

What do Recertification staff do?

Recertification staff will help applicants develop a housing plan and provide resources in the community that may help meet their housing needs.
Recertification staff will collect information to determine if the need for continued assistance exits.
They can also answer program questions about FEMA assistance or provide a phone number of someone who can provide answers.
FEMA staff will also talk with applicants about their future housing plans and current living situation.
Applicants who have questions about recertification or other disaster assistance can call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
There are additional resources for the media at http://www.fema.gov/media/index.shtm.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

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

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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

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Recipients of FEMA Housing Assistance Must Recertify Eligibility

FEMA Urges Residents to Continue Monitoring Conditions as Tropical Storm Approaches Gulf Coast

Heavy Rains and Flooding Possible in Some Areas

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its national response coordination center in Washington, D.C. and its regional offices in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas remains in close coordination with states potentially affected by Tropical Storm Karen. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm conditions are expected along areas of the Gulf Coast as early as this afternoon and into Sunday.

“Residents along the Gulf Coast are encouraged to continue to monitor local conditions and follow the direction of local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As the storm continues to move toward land, residents may begin to experience strong winds and flooding. Remember that conditions can change with little or no notice.”

Based on applicable legal requirements and consistent with its contingency plan, FEMA has recalled currently furloughed employees necessary to serve functions of the agency that protect life and property as they prepare for potential landfall of Tropical Storm Karen.

FEMA has recalled staff necessary to deploy four incident management assistance teams (IMAT), including a national incident management assistance team (IMAT), to potentially affected states. Each IMAT is supported by its defense coordinating element staffed by the Department of Defense. Liaison officers are currently positioned in emergency operations centers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi to assist with the coordination of planning and response operations. Additional teams are on standby and available for deployment as needed and requested.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate spoke with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Florida Governor Rick Scott, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant this week about ongoing efforts to prepare for Tropical Storm Karen. Fugate reiterated that Gulf Coast states have the full support of FEMA and the rest of the federal family in advance of the storm making landfall. Fugate’s calls were preceded by outreach from FEMA’s Regional Administrators to emergency management officials in potentially impacted states.

According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm warning remains in effect from Morgan City, La. to the mouth of the Pearl River. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. Also, a tropical storm watch remains in effect for metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Maurepas, Lake Pontchartrain and from east of the mouth of the Pearl River to Indian Pass, Fla. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible, generally within 48 hours.

Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips for Potentially-affected Gulf Coast areas:

Have important supplies ready to sustain you and your family, if needed. This includes water, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone charger, medicines, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.
History shows that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly, so FEMA encourages coastal residents to monitor weather conditions and take steps now to get prepared for potential severe tropical weather.
Tropical storms can bring high winds and heavy rains, so listen to local officials and follow their instructions.

FEMA, through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill and Kansas City, Mo., also is monitoring the storms affecting and potentially affecting areas of the Central U.S., including portions of Iowa and Nebraska, and has been in touch with state and local officials. FEMA deployed a liaison to the emergency operations center in Nebraska and activated an incident management assistance team (IMAT), positioning the team for immediate deployment should assistance be requested by the states affected. FEMA continues to stand ready to support the states, as requested.

For more information on preparing for hurricanes, severe weather and other natural disasters, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, visit www.Ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Information regarding emergency preparedness and what to do before and after a disaster can also be found at m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app from your smartphone’s app store.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Original article –

FEMA Urges Residents to Continue Monitoring Conditions as Tropical Storm Approaches Gulf Coast

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate’s Calls to Gulf Coast State Governors on Tropical Storm Karen Preparations

WASHINGTON – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today completed calls with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Florida Governor Rick Scott, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant about ongoing efforts to prepare for Tropical Storm Karen.

Fugate reiterated that Gulf Coast states have the full support of FEMA and the rest of the federal family in advance of the storm making landfall. The governors did not express any unmet needs at this time. Fugate’s calls were preceded by outreach from FEMA’s Regional Administrators to emergency management officials in potentially impacted states.

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

Link:

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate’s Calls to Gulf Coast State Governors on Tropical Storm Karen Preparations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing today that they are briefly delaying the issuance of the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for York and Cumberland Counties for the State of Maine that was planned for Monday, September 16, 2013. Over the past several years, FEMA has been working closely with state and local partners on these latest map revisions. The reason for this brief delay is to allow time to ensure that FEMA has a viable engagement plan, given possible financial challenges associated with a new and uncertain fiscal year. FEMA remains committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged appropriately, and anticipates providing a revised schedule by the end of September.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion1, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

Creating A Disaster Preparedness Plan? Don’t Forget Your Pet

LINCROFT, N.J. — Family disaster preparedness plans are a good thing to have in place. But many such plans often overlook important loved ones – the family pet.

Whether you decide to stay home or evacuate to a safer location, advance plans for pets are essential to keeping the family unit intact. Plan how you will evacuate and where you will go.

Public shelters may not allow pets. Perhaps family or friends may be willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include a hotel or motel, a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital. It’s important to determine your options before an emergency happens.

The steps below can help keep animals safe and a loving part of the family if disaster strikes:

Find shelter for your pet – Never evacuate without the family pets because they rarely survive on their own. Make sure there is a predetermined place the family and pets can go in the case of an evacuation because not all shelters allow pets. If you plan early enough, some pet shelters will make reservations for pets.
Develop a buddy system – Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Create a pet emergency kit – Along with an emergency preparedness kit for your household, it is also a good idea to create one for your pets. Some items to include are:
- A pet first-aid kit with all pet medications
- Enough food to last up to a week, stored in an airtight, waterproof container
- At least three days of water specifically for the pets
- Toys to occupy pets
- A collar with ID tag, harness or leash
- Important documents such as copies of registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container
- A crate or other pet carrier
- Sanitation supplies, which may include litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household cleaner
- A picture of you and your pet together in case of a possible separation during an emergency – you may need help in identifying your pet

For more information on how to taking care of pets in an emergency, visit the animal care page on www.ready.gov. The site also provides tips about caring for large animals and how to care for pets during and following a disaster.

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.

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Creating A Disaster Preparedness Plan? Don’t Forget Your Pet

Insurance May Not Cover Everything So Stay In Touch With Fema

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster assistance may be available for losses not covered by an insurance settlement for New Jersey survivors of Superstorm Sandy.

That is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency urges survivors who have registered for disaster assistance to call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362 as soon as they receive their insurance settlement.

When the insurance check finally comes it may not cover all the losses a survivor has had, so if you applied for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency you should let FEMA know that you have your insurance settlement.Make sure you have the registration number FEMA assigned to your application.

If you received a letter from FEMA saying you were not eligible for assistance, part of the reason may be that your insurance settlement could not be factored into your application.

If you have already filed an appeal of the original assistance decision, that appeal may be amended based on your insurance settlement.

These are just a few of the reasons it is important applicants stay in touch with FEMA.

Survivors who have registered for assistance should keep their contact information current to ensure timely delivery of important assistance updates.

Keeping one’s contact information current with FEMA will also help connect survivors with FEMA’s home inspectors. Unnecessary delays may occur if an inspector is unable to reach an applicant by phone to schedule an appointment. Applicants are also urged to keep their appointments with home inspectors in order to avoid delays.

Applicants who need to update their contact information or who have questions regarding their application can call the toll-free FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

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.

Link:

Insurance May Not Cover Everything So Stay In Touch With Fema

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