FEMA Blog

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have been affected by the storms that struck many states last night, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

We’re continuing to monitor the storm’s aftermath and we’re working closely with all of the states that were affected. If you are in an area impacted by the storm last night, please continue to listen to local officials, and make sure you do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with a downed power line. When it’s safe to do so, report down trees and power lines to your local police or utility company.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, especially those who spend much of their time alone.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• If you don’t have power, limit the amount of time your refrigerator is open to keep food cool.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Listen to local officials for information about cooling centers.
• If you don’t have power or phone service, try texting to let friends and family know you’re OK.
• Listen to Local weather forecasts for critical updates from the National Weather Service and stay aware of temperature changes.

From an operational perspective, some of our activities include:

• At the request of the State of Ohio, a FEMA liaison officer is deployed to the Ohio state emergency operations center to support state response efforts as needed.
• FEMA has also deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to West Virginia to work side by side with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
• FEMA remains in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service forecast offices, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. is activated, and our Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. are activated to support impacted states if requested.

Continue to follow local weather forecasts as weather conditions can change unexpectedly, and please remember to check on your neighbors and stay in touch with friends and family to ensure everyone is OK.

Publicado por: Lars Anderson, Director, Relaciones Públicas

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones con aquellos que han visto sus vidas afectas por las tormentas que impactaron varios estados anoche, incluyendo partes de Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania y el Distrito de Columbia.

Nosotros continuamos observando el daño que dejó la tormenta y trabajamos muy de cerca con los estados que se han visto afectados. Si usted se encuentra en una área impactada por la tormenta de anoche, por favor continúe escuchando las instrucciones de los oficiales en el manejo de emergencias y no toque o se acerque a objetos en contacto con o líneas del tendido eléctrico que estén derribadas. Cuando sea seguro hacerlo, reporte a las autoridades y la compañía de servicio eléctrico los lugares en donde hayan arboles caídos y tendido eléctrico derribado.

El Servicio Nacional Meteorológico ha emitido un aviso de calor extremo para hoy en muchas de las áreas afectadas por la tormenta y en la cual hay apagones de electricidad. Le solicitamos a todos los que han sido afectados por la tormenta y enfrentan un caluroso día a tomar las precauciones debidas cuando las temperaturas suben y no se ha restaurado el servicio eléctrico:

• Verifique que su familia, amigos y vecinos que no tienen aire acondicionado estén bien, especialmente si viven o pasan mucho tiempo solos.
• Tome bastante agua aún cuando no sienta sed.
• Manténgase en el interior de su hogar y evite la exposición al sol.
• Si no tuviese aire acondicionado, manténgase en los pisos más bajos de su residencia en donde no alcance el sol ya que generalmente se mantienen más frescos.
• Si usted no tiene servicio eléctrico, limite la cantidad de veces que abra el refrigerador y la cantidad de tiempo que permanece abierto de manera que los alimentos se mantengan fríos.
• Nunca deje niños o mascotas en su auto o cualquier vehículo
• Escuche la información disponible sobre los centros de enfriamiento abiertos al público. 
• Si usted no tiene servicio eléctrico o telefónico, trate de enviar un mensaje de texto a sus familiares y amigos para notificarles que usted está bien.
• Escuche el pronóstico del tiempo y las actualizaciones del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología para estar al tanto de los cambios en temperatura.

Desde una perspectiva operacional, algunas de las actividades que hemos desempeñado son:

• Según solicitud del estado de Ohio, un Oficial de Enlace de FEMA ha sido destacado al centro de operaciones estatal para apoyar la respuesta ante la tormenta.
• FEMA destacó un Equipo para el Manejo de Incidentes al estado de West Virginia para trabajar mano a mano con la División de Seguridad Nacional y Manejo de Emergencias estatal mientras la respuesta continua y se identifican necesidades adicionales debido al impacto de la tormenta. 
• Nos mantenemos en contacto con otras agencias federales como el Servicio Nacional Meteorológico, el Cuerpo de Ingenieros de los Estados Unidos y el Departamento de Energía. 
• El Centro Nacional para la Coordinación de Respuesta ante Emergencias en Washington, D.C. está activado al igual que los Centros Regionales en Chicago, Ill. y Philadelphia, Pa. para apoyar a los estados impactados según lo soliciten.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

If you have been watching the news this week, you’re probably familiar with the ongoing wildfire fight happening in many communities out in the Rocky Mountain area of the country. Our federal partners such as the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior are taking the lead on deploying federal assets, equipment, and personnel to directly support the fire fight. Today, President Obama visited Colorado to tour the damaged areas and meet with federal, state and local officials to ensure they had the full support of the federal government.

As I wrote on Wednesday, FEMA continues to closely coordinate with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners as they battle the blazes and focus on the safety of people and property. Since June 1, FEMA has authorized over 10 Fire Management Assistance Grants to support the firefighting efforts in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Montana. Earlier today, President Obama made additional federal support available to those in Colorado affected by the wildfires in El Paso and Larimer counties – such as crisis counseling and disaster unemployment assistance.

We will continue to closely monitor the wildfires, and you can find out more about the federal government’s role at National Interagency Fire Center website. And if your community is vulnerable to wildfires, make sure you visit Ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare your family, home, or business.

Assessing the effects of Debby

Another popular topic in newscasts this past week was the torrential rain brought to the southeast by tropical storm Debby. Even though national news coverage has quieted about the storm’s effects, we are working closely with our partners at the Florida Division of Emergency Management assessing the flood damages. We are currently conducting damage assessments along with the state to determine if additional support is needed for local governments or affected individuals. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website for more updates, or check back on our blog.

Tropical storm Debby is also a good reminder that hurricane season is here, so the time to prepare is before the next storm forms. Even if you live in an inland area, severe tropical weather can bring large amounts of rain – so be sure to visit Ready.gov/hurricanes to find out how you can get prepared.

Staying cool

As we move into the weekend, a dangerous heat wave continues its march across the country. National Weather Service forecasts are calling for above average temperatures for much of the East Coast, so here are a few reminders for lessening the impact of the heat:

• Stay inside during the hottest part of the day. If you don’t have air conditioning, stay on the lowest level of your home or office, away from the sun.
• If it’s hot for you, it’s also hot for your animals. Keep them in the shade and make sure they are drinking plenty of water.
• Follow your local forecast. Keep up with the conditions in your area and heed any advice by local officials or your local National Weather Service forecast office. Visit weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov on your phone to get your forecast now.  

For more tips on beating the effects of the heat, visit Ready.gov/heat.

Fourth of July Safety

And as we go into the Fourth of July holiday week, please remember to safely celebrate our nation's independence. The safest way to enjoy fireworks and pyrotechnics is through professional displays, not home use. So enjoy the holiday in a safe way and learn more about firework safety from the U.S Fire Administration.

First responders, volunteers, and community and voluntary organizations – these are usually the first people on the ground to help following a disaster. These key members of the emergency management team are vital in helping communities and individuals prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and are invaluable links between the communities they regularly serve and tribal, local, state, and federal government.

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) is a coalition of 53 national nonprofit organizations and 55 State/Territory members, representing hundreds of additional organizations, that share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle – preparation, response and recovery – to help disaster survivors and their communities. Voluntary organizations, including many faith based organizations, are actively supporting the states and local governments engaged in wildfire response efforts. As wildfire response efforts continue throughout Colorado, the members of the Colorado VOAD (COVOAD), provide aid and relief services to disaster survivors, volunteers, and the thousands of firefighters working to control the growing fires across the state.

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Way and Adventist Community Services have been working tirelessly since the beginning of response efforts to set up donation centers, provide meals and shelters to displaced residents and provide needed supplies. Several other organizations have been in contact with the COVOAD office to offer assistance including Mennonite Disaster Service, Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board, and other local partner organizations.

With thousands of firefighters and first responders continuing to come together to bravely fight the blazes on the frontline, there are many others looking for ways to help. As the fires continue to spread and new fires emerge, we encourage individuals interested in helping to consider a monetary donation to the organization of their choice.

Financial support to voluntary agencies responding to disasters is the most effective way to help disaster survivors and response efforts in Colorado. Providing monetary donations allows disaster agencies to purchase exactly what is needed.

For more information on what you can do to help, please visit www.nvoad.org.

For agencies actively engaged in Colorado, visit www.helpcoloradonow.org, or contact Colorado 2-1-1.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Over the past few weeks firefighters from local, state, and federal agencies have been tirelessly working to battle several large fires across the country. Most importantly, we want to recognize their sacrifice and determination to protect lives and property. Thousands of first responders from all levels of government have come together to bravely fight the blazes on the front lines.

FEMA continues to coordinate closely with our state, local, and tribal partners as the fire fight continues. In 10 instances since June 1, FEMA has made financial assistance available to support the firefighting efforts for fires in Montana, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. This assistance is provided through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs).

FMAGs provide financial assistance so firefighters and first responders can focus all their efforts on reducing the negative impacts of the fire. An FMAG authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs, under an approved grant structure.

Items eligible for FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

In case you’re interested in the specifics, the program allows for the “mitigation, management, and control” of fires burning on publicly or privately owned forest or grasslands which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

A note on FMAGs: These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Other federal partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior, are working through the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) to provide the necessary assets such as fire engines, helicopters, air tankers and military support to help suppress the fires. You can find more about the federal government’s role at inciweb.org.

Due to summer temperatures and dry conditions, the threat of wildfires will likely continue in the coming weeks and months. If you’re in an area that may be impacted by wildfires, remember these safety tips:

• Create a emergency kit and plan to ensure your home, family, or business is prepared for wildfires.
• Listen to and follow the guidance of state and local officials. If authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately, follow evacuation routes announced by local officials.
• Create an area of “defensible space” around your home. Clear items that will burn from around the house, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc.
• If you’re caught in the open during a wildfire, the best temporary shelter is in a sparse fuel area. Clear fuel away from the area while the fire is approaching and then lie face down in the depression and cover yourself. Stay down until after the fire passes.

For more tips on staying safe before, during and after a wildfire, visit Ready.gov/wildfires and our mobile site (m.fema.gov).

Events over the last 10 years— hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic flu — all clearly demonstrate the importance of integrating emergency management, healthcare and public health before, during and after disasters. On Thursday, June 28, during the next FEMA Think Tank conference call, we’ll talk about increasing coordination and collaboration within these sectors. For the first time, FEMA is partnering with another agency, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to host a Think Tank conference call. By collaborating through this forum, FEMA and ASPR will highlight the importance of integrating these sectors, on local, state and federal levels.

We will host this call from Houston, Texas. The state’s history of responding to disasters, from Tropical Storm Alison to Hurricane Rita to H1N1, has led to the development of impressive coalitions: Partners from the emergency management, public health, and healthcare sectors working together to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This collaboration strengthens the resilience of our communities.

This month’s call provides an opportunity for the community to discuss best practices and stories about coordination and collaboration within emergency management, health care and public health.

During the call, we will cover:

• Emergency management coordination, improving communication with the health care and public health sectors; 
• Medical Incident Support Teams, a cutting edge best practice supporting State Emergency Management; and 
• Tennessee Mental Health Response Plan and Tennessee Recovery Project, proactive things communities are doing to mitigate the mental/emotional impact of disasters on survivors.

We encourage you to submit comments or ideas to the online collaboration forum on how to increase coordination and collaboration (before, during, or after an emergency) within the emergency management, healthcare and public health sectors.

We hope you can join the conversation over the phone, online and on Twitter:

Date: Thursday, June 28

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CDT (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT)

Call-In Number: 888-989-4401

Pass Code: Think Tank

Captioning for the event

Twitter: #femathinktank

Be sure to add this information to your calendar and share it with your friends and colleagues! We look forward to hearing from you!

Today marks the midpoint of The Reservist Program application period for Disaster Assistance Employees – Thanks to all of you who have successfully completed your application! So far we have received more than 7300 applications to the program. On the first day of the application period, our FEMA call center agents took over 500 calls, answering your questions and capturing your comments. Your feedback on the process helped us find opportunities for improvement, so please continue to write and call.

What’s next?
Please join us for another Question & Answer webcast today at 1:00 EDT with our panel of subject matter experts. Remember, the Phase I application period is exclusively for current DAEs to apply for the Reservist Program; the period will close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 29th. After that time, DAEs who have not applied will have to wait for the next application phase in which DAEs will be competing with the general public.

We value our DAEs – you are why FEMA is an extraordinary organization. If you haven’t applied, please do so as soon as possible.

Reminders:
Several cadres intentionally excluded some positions – if you do not see certain positions, they were excluded at the direction of the cadre leadership.

On some of the vacancy announcements the FEMA contact number was transposed. The correct phone number is (304) 480-7300.

Some of you may have used the outdated version of the OF 306 “Declaration for Federal Employment” dated October 2001. Please use the most current version of the OF 306, dated October 2011. Find the correct form here http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp. The older version of the form does not include some critical questions for federal employment, including citizenship. If you need help re-submitting this document you can contact the call center at (304) 480-7300 or by email at fema.inquiries@bpd.treas.gov.

Reminder: Our next webcast will be today, June 26 at 1:00 pm EDT. Expect a notification email 24-48 hours prior to the actual webcast.

Thanks everyone for helping build a better FEMA!

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

We’re continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Debby as it continues to create dangerous conditions along much of the Gulf Coast. According to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast at 5 p.m. Eastern time today, Debby is expected to bring large amounts of rain to affected areas – especially northern and central Florida, southeast Georgia, and coastal South Carolina. In some areas, over 15 inches of rain is expected this week.


June 25 - National Hurricane Center projected rain totals for the next three days, as of 5 p.m. Eastern time.

At this time, Debby’s biggest threat for those in the affected area is flooding. Make sure you’re staying up to date with your local weather forecast and taking precautions to stay safe in case of flooding. Here are few safety tips if you are in Debby’s projected path:

• If you have to leave your home, do not drive through flood waters. Even a small amount of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. And if you see standing water on the roadway, do not try to drive through it. * Turn around, don’t drown * 
• Keep up with updates from your local officials. If they give the order to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember, evacuation orders come from local officials, not FEMA. 
• Severe weather watches and warnings may happen quickly, so be familiar with flood terminology, like: 
• Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. 
• Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 
• Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. 
• Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. 
• Find more on how to keep your family, home, or business safe from the effects of a tropical storm at Ready.gov/hurricanes

What we’re doing 
We continue to closely monitor tropical storm Debby at our offices in Atlanta, Denton, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Our staff is in close contact with state officials in potentially affected states including Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina. In Florida, a FEMA liaison officer is onsite at the Florida Emergency Operations Center, after being requested by the state, to help coordinate if additional support is needed.

While we will continue to provide tropical storm Debby updates through our blog, Facebook page, and Twitter accounts – the best place to get up-to-date information is from the National Hurricane Center, at:

• Their website: www.hurricanes.gov or hurricanes.gov/mobile on your phone 
• Their Facebook page 
• Their Twitter account, @NHC_Atlantic

Posted by: Lars Anderson

We’re closely watching Tropical Storm Debby as she continues to make predicting her path difficult due to conflicting forecast models based on computer simulations. With their latest forecast, officials have indicated that this is a very difficult and highly uncertain forecast. Because of this uncertainty, we are urging residents all along the Gulf to be focusing on their preparedness efforts.

The Administration, through FEMA and our federal, state and local partners is closely monitoring the storm and its potential impacts. We remain in close contact with emergency officials in states all across the gulf coast to ensure there are no unmet needs.

History has proven that tropical systems don’t necessarily follow what forecasters think they would or should do even with sophisticated modeling. Recent examples are Hurricane Jeanne which looped around in the Atlantic before striking Florida in 2004, and Ivan, also in 2004, that managed to make landfall on three occasions.

With the potential changes in the forecast, what do you need to know most? As tropical waves or tropical storms can bring heavy rains and high winds, we urge coastal residents to monitor weather conditions by listening to your local radio and television news outlets, or by listening to NOAA Weather Radio. You can check your local forecast at http://www.weather.gov/ & http://www.hurricanes.gov/ and on your phone at mobile.weather.gov & www.hurricanes.gov/mobile.

It’s vitally important that you take steps to prepare your property and family, and you should take steps now to get prepared for potential severe weather. Visit Ready.gov/hurricanes (Listo.gov para español) to learn how to prepare your home and family for a hurricane or tropical storm, including building an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan.

Everyone should also familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a tropical storm watch or warning is issued in your area. Terms used to describe severe tropical weather include the following:
• A Tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible, in this case within 24 hours.

• A Tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

• A Hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

• A Hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

We’ll continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as it warrants, and if you are in the potential areas, please listen to and follow the instructions of local officials. We’ll also provide updates on Twitter and Facebook, so you can follow us there too.

Publicado por: Lars Anderson

Estamos observando de cerca la tormenta tropical Debby mientras se trata de hacer una predicción de su trayectoria ya que ha sido difícil debido a conflictos en los modelos de predicción en los simuladores de las computadoras. En el último pronóstico del clima los oficiales han indicado que hacer un pronóstico es muy difícil e incierto. Debido a esta incertidumbre, instamos a todos los habitantes de toda la zona costera de Golfo a estar centrados en sus esfuerzos de recuperación.

La Administración, a través de FEMA y sus asociados federales, estatales y locales están monitoreando de cerca la tormenta y sus posibles impactos. Estamos en comunicación constante con los oficiales de emergencia de los estados de toda la costa del Golfo para garantizar que las necesidades sean cubiertas.

La historia ha demostrado que los sistemas tropicales no necesariamente siguen la ruta de los pronósticos aun utilizando los modelos sofisticados. Los ejemplos recientes son el huracán Jeanne el cual dio una vuelta en el Atlántico antes de tocar tierra en Florida en el 2004. También en el 2004, el huracán Iván logró tocar tierra en tres ocasiones.

Con todos estos cambios en el pronostico del clima, ¿que debemos saber? Las ondas tropicales o tormentas tropicales pueden traer lluvias y vientos fuertes, es por esto que instamos a todos los habitantes de la zona costera a monitorear las condiciones climatológicas al escuchar su radio local, las noticias o escuchar el radio del clima de NOAA. Puede verificar el pronóstico local en http://www.weather.gov/ y http://www.hurricanes.gov/ y en su teléfono en http://mobile.weather.gov y www.hurricanes.gov/mobile/.

Es de vital importancia estar preparados para proteger a su familia y propiedad y debe seguir los pasos para estar preparados ahora ante el clima severo que se acerca. Visite www.listo.gov (Ready.gov/hurricanes para inglés) para aprender a como prepara a su hogar y familia en caso de huracanes o tormentas tropicales, incluyendo la preparación de un equipo de emergencia y desarrollar un plan de emergencia familiar.

Todos debemos estar familiarizados con los términos que se utilizan para identificar los riesgos del clima severo y conversar con la familia lo que se debe hacer en caso de un aviso o advertencia de tormenta tropical en su área. Los términos para describir el clima severo tropical incluyen lo siguiente:

• Una advertencia de tormenta tropical significa que condiciones de tormenta tropical son posibles en 24 horas. 
• Un aviso de tormenta tropical significa que condiciones de tormenta tropical son posibles en las próximas 36 horas. 
• Una advertencia de huracán significa que condiciones de huracán son posibles en 36 horas. 
• Un aviso de huracán significa que condiciones de huracán son posibles en 48 horas.

Continuáremos monitoreando la tormenta y proporcionando actualizaciones mientras sea justificado, si esta en un área propensa a tormentas favor de seguir las instrucciones de los oficiales locales. También puede seguirnos en Twitter y Facebook, en los cuales proporcionaremos actualizaciones.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Today’s 5:00 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center has officially marked the development of Tropical Storm Debby in the Gulf of Mexico with estimated winds speed of 50 MPH and moving slowly in a northerly direction. We’re continuing to monitor the weather situation in the tropics through our regional offices in both Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, and here at headquarters. We are prepared to support our state, local, tribal and territorial partners as necessary.

The storm is located 220 miles South-Southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Coast of Louisiana from the mouth of the Pearl River westward to Morgan City.

Since there is some uncertainty in the storm’s speed and motion we urge all residents of the Gulf Coast to pay close attention to weather developments over the next several days – especially those living along the northern Gulf Coast.

You will always hear us at FEMA talk about the need to be prepared. With the formation of Debby in the Gulf (and due to the uncertain track) we strongly encourage you to take the time to prepare your family, home or business to lessen the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane. If you’re unsure about where to start, visit Ready.gov/hurricanes today to learn how to make an emergency plan and how to create a family emergency kit.

Staying up to date with the latest tropical forecast information over the weekend and into early next week (as well as during all of hurricane season) is easy. Here is how you can get the latest from the National Hurricane Center:

• Full website: http://www.hurricanes.gov/
• Mobile website: http://hurricanes.gov/mobile
• Twitter: Follow @NHC_Atlantic, @NHC_Pacific, and NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb at @NHC_DrRickKnabb
• Facebook: Like “NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center”

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

June 22, 2012 - Satellite photo from the National Hurricane Center showing an area of low pressure organizing near the Gulf of Mexico.

Storm activity near the Gulf of Mexico
 
Earlier this week, the first hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season formed (Hurricane Chris), but you may not have heard much about it since it wasn’t a threat to the U.S. or its territories. Although Chris didn’t make many waves (in the media at least), we’re closely monitoring a tropical system much closer to home near the Gulf of Mexico.

National Hurricane Center forecasts say it’s probable that this system will develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours – so all those along the Gulf Coast should stay up to date with what’s happening.

Now is the time to prepare your family, home or business to lessen the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane; don’t wait until a storm is approaching your area. If you’re unsure about where to start, visit Ready.gov/hurricanes today to learn about the risks in your area, how to make an emergency plan, and how to create a family emergency kit.

And staying up to date with the latest tropical forecast information during hurricane season is easy. Here is how you can get the latest from the National Hurricane Center:

• Full website: www.hurricanes.gov 
• Mobile website: http://hurricanes.gov/mobile 
• Twitter: Follow @NHC_Atlantic, @NHC_Pacific, and NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb at @NHC_DrRickKnabb 
• Facebook: Like “NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center” 

How to beat the heat

No, I’m not talking about how to beat the Miami Heat, who won the NBA Championship last night. I’m referring to the abnormally high temperatures that many places in the U.S. experienced this past week. The National Weather Service is predicting more heat for next week, especially for the middle of the country.

So if the mercury in your thermometer rises next week, remember to check on those without air conditioning to make sure they are staying cool. And the age-old tips of drinking plenty of water and staying inside during the hottest part of the day are still effective – but you can find other useful heat safety tips at Ready.gov/heat.

Your feedback

As Shayne Adamski blogged yesterday, we’re watching for your feedback on the preview of the new fema.gov site. The redesigned site will be easier to navigate and help users quickly find the information they’re looking for – but we want you to “kick the tires” before we make the full switch over to the new site. So check out the new site at preview.fema.gov and leave a comment below or send us an e-mail at FEMA-New-Media@fema.dhs.gov.

Next weeks’ Think Tank call

Next week’s Think Tank call (June 28, 12 p.m. EDT) focuses on increasing coordination and collaboration within emergency management, healthcare and public health. The Think Tank provides a platform for people across the entire emergency management team, a team that includes members of the public, to share their best ideas on improving emergency management.

FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino will co-host the call with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the Department of Health and Human Services. Check out fema.gov/thinktank for more information, and I hope you can join us for the next week’s call:

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. EDT (11:00am – 1:00pm Central)
Call-In Number: 888-989-4401
Passcode: Think Tank Captioning for the event
Twitter: #femathinkank

Today we are taking a step forward and pulling back the curtain with a preview of the next iteration of FEMA.gov to give you the opportunity to take a tour of the new site, and to “kick the tires” as the saying goes.

When we began the process of our redesign, we started with the goal of creating a site that is more user-friendly, with up-to-date information, and easier to navigate. To reach this goal, some of the changes we made are: re-organizing the main content sections; adding drop-down menus; and integrating the “search” function to a greater extent within the website.

As we move forward through this process, there are a few important points to note:

• First, in an effort to provide options and ease users into how the new site functions, the new re-designed site will be available while the old FEMA.gov site remains active. This will provide individuals the opportunity to be able to access information in the manner they are most comfortable and assist with easing them into a transition to the new site. 
• Second, we want to let you know that through this re-design process we have been updating much of the content that you will find on FEMA.gov. As we continue to work, we still have some pages that are being brought up-to-date. So please understand that content continues to flow and is being updated as quickly as possible. 
• Finally, like many projects of this magnitude, we anticipate that there will be some technical bugs in the system and we will work to address them as expeditiously as possible.

In the end, it is important for us to know what you, the user, thinks about the new site. Let us know what you think – the good, the bad, and everything in between. Click around the site and email us your thoughts: FEMA-New-Media@fema.dhs.gov So once we’ve kicked the tires of the new site, what’s next?

Once we complete the work on the site and we are comfortable that it is working and functioning in a way that you have come to expect, we’ll take down the current site and replace it with the new version of the site. A point to note for some of our users who regularly link to some of FEMA’s content. When the new site goes live, links that you have bookmarked or links to our content may no longer work. So, as we move forward in the process, we will be asking web site owners, bloggers, etc, to assist us by making sure if you have links to FEMA.gov from your sites that you update links to our site.

Keep watching this space and we’ll keep you updated and let you know when you should start changing the links. Thanks again for visiting the new, improved, and easier-to-navigate FEMA.gov!

High Wildfire Activity Continues 
Last week, we mentioned the threat of potential wildfires – unfortunately, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming are all experiencing fire outbreaks that are ongoing. We continue to closely monitor the wildfire activity from our regional offices in Denver and Denton, Texas, while thousands of first responders and firefighters from local, state, federal and tribal agencies are fighting the fire on the ground to protect lives and property. Federal agencies have made approximately 5,000 firefighters available to suppress fires so far.

For the High Park Fire (Colorado) and Little Bear Fire (New Mexico), one way FEMA is supporting the firefighting efforts is through Fire Management Assistance Grants. These grants make FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs, but do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners.

Earlier this week, we also sent an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Colorado Emergency Operations Center to work side by side with state officials to monitor and support the High Park Fire fight. For more information on the federal government's role during wildfires, visit the National Interagency Fire Center website, or view their latest situation report (PDF).

If you live in an area that is currently being affected by wildfires, or an area that is susceptible to wildfire outbreaks, here are a few tips to remember:

• Follow the direction of local officials – I cannot stress this enough. Local officials are most familiar with the conditions on the ground, and any evacuation orders originate from local officials (evacuation orders do not come from FEMA). If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately. 
• Be familiar with evacuation routes – Local officials will announce if an evacuation is required, and they will also have information on the safest way to leave the area. So become familiar with possible evacuation routes ahead of time, that way you will be familiar with them during an emergency. 
• Stay informed of the latest developments – Stay up to date by following local news reports or updates from local officials. For example, Larimer County, Colorado  have been updating this website and their @LarimerSheriff Twitter account to keep residents updated about the High Park Fire. Also, keeping your NOAA Weather Radio close by is useful for getting the latest severe weather developments.

You can find more wildfire safety tips at Ready.gov/wildfires, or on our mobile site at m.fema.gov/wildfires.htm. Have a safe weekend, and we will provide further updates about FEMA's role regarding the increased wildfire activity on this blog as needed.

Father's Day Gift Ideas
For all you last minute shoppers still looking for the perfect gift to give dad for Father’s Day, why not also give a gift of preparedness and get dad something that may be useful during an emergency like a flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA weather radio or a cell phone charger for his car? In addition to a traditional gift like ties, socks or golf balls, help get your dad prepared no matter where he is -something small and creative like a keychain flashlight can be just the motivation needed to help your loved ones get prepared – if they aren’t already.

Visit www.ready.gov for more creative gift ideas.

Have a safe weekend and Happy Father’s Day!

In my December blog, I expressed the Obama Administration’s support for amending the Stafford Act to allow federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration. Under current law, only States, through the Governor, can make such requests.

I’ve re-emphasized my support for amending the law by sending letters to Congressional Committee Chairmen to offer FEMA’s support for S. 2283. A change to the Stafford Act would enhance our ability to respond directly to tribal governments’ declaration requests regardless of State or county boundaries or jurisdictions. I’m giving my firm commitment to actively work with Indian Country and Members of Congress to support and facilitate the passage of this legislation.

Specifically, the letters I sent today are recommending that Congress take swift action to pass this legislation. If Congress passes and the President signs such legislation into law, my office will act promptly in the development of appropriate regulations and policies for implementation.

Through the years, I’m proud of the close working relationships we developed at FEMA with recognized tribal governments across the country, especially as it relates to disaster response, recovery and mitigation activities. Based on these experiences, I’ve seen great success and some challenges. I believe that amending the Stafford Act to allow federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or disaster declaration, will only improve our coordination efforts and build stronger more resilient communities.

The U.S. Government has a unique government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribal governments based on the U.S. Constitution, statutes, regulations, treaties, executive orders, executive memoranda and policies. Amending the law would acknowledge the sovereignty of federally recognized tribes, enhance FEMA’s working relationship with tribal governments, and improve emergency and disaster responsiveness throughout Indian Country.

I’m looking forward to the day when the changes I have communicated here are made law and we are better situated to improve our coordination efforts with tribal governments and Indian Country. Visit fema.gov/government/tribal for additional information.

We will continue to follow the progress of this legislation closely and I’ll keep you posted on developments.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Severe Weather Outlook

Yesterday, severe storms and tornadoes swept through the Rocky Mountain region, specifically affecting Colorado and Wyoming. We continue to closely monitor the situation as our partners at the state, local and tribal levels coordinate the response efforts. Over the weekend, we will be closely watching another line of potentially severe storms that could affect North and South Dakota, and portions of the Midwest.

In addition to the threat of thunderstorms, National Weather Service forecasts show portions of the Rocky Mountains and much of the Southwest will be at increased risk for wildfire outbreaks. Wildfires are common this time of year, so use extreme caution when you’re outside with objects that could start a fire (such as matches or your grill). Stay updated on your local forecast conditions at weather.gov (or mobile.weather.gov on your mobile device) and listen to the directions of local officials – for example, if they advise against outdoor grilling because of the threat of wildfires, prepare your meal inside.

And when you have a few minutes this weekend, visit Ready.gov to find out more about getting your home, family or business better prepared for the hazards in your area.

Promoting disaster preparedness in your town

Yesterday, I traveled to Houston, Texas with Administrator Fugate to meet with business owners, school officials, non-profit organizations, and preparedness experts at a “Disaster Preparedness Expo”. I wanted to share details about this event in our weekly “What We’re Watching” post for two reasons:

• We’re always "watching" to promote events where people are sharing how they’re preparing, and
• Hosting a similar event in your town is a simple way to build resiliency in your community.

Houston, Texas, June 7, 2012 -- Administrator Fugate speaks with a fellow FEMA employee at a disaster preparedness expo at a Wal-Mart/Sam's Club.

Being resilient means being able to bounce back after an unexpected event, like a natural or man-made disaster. At the event in Houston, the Administrator emphasized the point that small business disaster preparedness remains a major gap in communities becoming more resilient.

As we say for personal preparedness, small steps can take you a long way. For businesses, the same holds true. Having a plan for how your business (or family) would operate after a disaster is a critical step in improving resiliency – and it’s not as hard as you think. Ready.gov/make-a-plan has some great tips on getting your family better prepared, and Ready.gov/business is a great starting point for business owners.

As we head into the weekend, I encourage you to think about the ways you can make resiliency a priority in your home or workplace. Drop us a comment below to let us know how you’re getting better prepared, that way your example can motivate others, too.

Houston, Texas, June 7, 2012 -- A Texas Emergency Management Official passes out brochures at the disaster preparedness expo. Administrator Fugate attended the disaster preparedness event at a Wal-Mart/Sam's Club.

Posted by: Bob Fenton, Assistant Administrator, Response

The Reservist Program introduction is in full swing and our National Cadre managers and Office of Human Capital teams are engaged to make this transition as smooth as possible. I’ve received quite a few emails and phone calls from you and realize some are concerned about the application process. We’re committed to making all of this as transparent and easy to understand as possible. Below is a list of important points concerning the application process.

Key Points:

• The application period opening June 15th is for current DAEs only. This will be the only time that the application period is dedicated exclusively to DAEs. The application process during this time is closed to the general public.

• You may apply to as many positions as you like, regardless of cadre.

• On June 15, the employee website will have a page with all Reservist Program vacancy announcement links (one link per announcement) organized by cadre. Each link will redirect you to a vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.

• In order to apply for a position you must have a USAJOBS account. When you click “Apply Now” in one of the vacancy announcements you will be directed to login to USAJOBS in order to continue. The USAJOBS presentation includes a step-by-step instruction on creating a USAJOBS account, as well as how to build your resume and upload your FQS Notification letter.

• Your resume, FQS Notification letter for DAEs who have been rated under FQS, and OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment are the only required documents for the application process. Download a PDF writeable version of the OF-306. If you are a current DAE, but did not receive an FQS Notification letter for the position, then only a resume and OF-306 is required.

• USAJOBS will then automatically direct you to CareerConnector to answer a series of eligibility and competency questions related to the position. As an applicant you will have the opportunity to provide any additional documentation that you think will support the application for the position.

• Upon completion of the application portion in CareerConnector, you will be redirected back to USAJOBS to confirm that your application has been submitted.

We will continue to hold our webcast/webinar series in order to help you with this application process. It is important to note that ALL DAEs must apply to become Reservists.

Our next webcast/webinar will be held Tuesday, June 12 at 1:00 pm EDT and we will continue to hold them every Tuesday at the same time. Expect a notification email 24-48 hours prior to the actual webcast.

More information to follow.

People often ask me why FEMA no longer calls people with disabilities and other people with access and functional needs “vulnerable” or “special needs”?

The answer is straightforward: it’s the people who fail to prepare who are the ones who are most vulnerable in disasters. When people with disabilities have a plan for disasters and are prepared, they are in a much better position to ensure that they have the best possible outcomes during and after a disaster such as a hurricane. With approximately 50% of the population having access and functional needs, those needs are not special, they are simply what the whole community needs to address when planning for disasters.

FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination has been working closely with our partners and stakeholders in the disability community during this Hurricane Preparedness Week to spread the word about preparing for hurricanes, severe weather and other disasters. Last week, we held a call with representatives from the disability community and you can listen to the podcast and see the transcript from that call here.

Flemington, N.J., October 22, 2011 -- Tony Rebinbas and his son get mitigation information from Bill Praust, a Community Relations specialist, as Tyak, a service dog, looks on. FEMA provides outreach for many programs offered to disaster survivors.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs aren’t always included in their community’s emergency preparedness efforts. Whether you have access and functional needs yourself or know of others who do, we ask that you Be A Force of Nature and help your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to make sure they’re prepared for the next hurricane or severe weather event. Consider becoming more involved in local, regional, and state emergency management efforts. In this respect, full inclusion in community preparedness efforts ensures that no one is “special” or has “special needs”. Rather, everyone is working together towards a fully prepared community.

In the following video, Neil McDevitt, our Disability Integration Communications Specialist, joins me in talking about how the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination is working with our internal and external partners to enhance awareness of preparedness for the whole community and we’re also talking about steps we’re taking personally to prepare for hurricanes this year.



FEMA encourages all individuals in hurricane-prone areas to know your risk and make a pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. You can complete your emergency preparedness plan, update your emergency kit and Be a Force of Nature and share your preparedness efforts with family, friends and Community partners.

On March 30, 2012, I challenged the 800+ private sector members subscribed to my email distribution and 30,000+ more subscribers to FEMA Private Sector Email Updates to develop a Big Business – Small Business Mentorship Program. I spoke about the need to connect the dots, especially in a disaster, and how an existing framework could make the difference for small businesses struggling to survive.

It did not take long for me to hear back. I am extremely pleased to recognize that the National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has partnered with the International Association of Emergency Managers to launch the Big Business – Small Business Emergency Management Mentorship Program this week to strengthen small business disaster preparedness by engaging willing and able big businesses as mentors.

I am equally pleased to recognize that the Walt Disney Company, Verizon, Lowe’s Companies Inc., LEAM Drilling Systems Inc., Walmart Stores Inc., and Sam’s Club, among others, have signed on as potential mentors, protégés or sponsors.

They are leading the way and ensuring a better path forward. NIMSAT and IAEM established the foundation for success. These businesses are the pillars of progress. The mentorship relationships that build from this structure will ensure more resilient communities in the face of the next disaster.

Today, I would like to extend and further the challenge for the rest of you to participate. Become a mentor or protégé. Read the Mentorship Guide and Register at www.DisasterB2bMentor.org. The process takes only a few minutes. The difference you make could last a lifetime.

At FEMA, we have also launched a campaign called Small Business is Big. We recognize the value of small businesses. On this page we have gathered tools, links and resources to make preparedness easier and more effective for small businesses. And we welcome your input to make it better.

Finally, Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: plan to stay in business; encourage your people to become Ready and protect your investment. Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare their employees, operations and assets in the event of an emergency. The Business section of Ready.gov contains vital information for businesses on how to get started preparing their business and their unique needs during an emergency.

Join the mentorship program. Use the tools. Be Ready. Make a difference.

Over the last several months, FEMA has made great strides in being more active and inclusive with our employee communication…especially as it pertains to those who are part of our reservist program. Using all the tools at our disposal, we’re even including the use of the FEMA blog to help ensure we’re providing information to our workforce in a timely fashion.

After the Town Hall meetings and Think Tank sessions, we have received e-mails from many of you suggesting that the Response Directorate stay in touch with you about the Disaster Assistance Employee transition to the Reservist Program. This blog will be a quick and direct way to do that. As the opening of the application process for the Reservist Program is fast-approaching, we have scheduled a webinar to share an overview of the application process and to provide resources to keep you informed during the transition.

First and foremost, we are committed to making sure that you know how to apply to the new Reservist Program, are aware of how these changes may affect you, and how you can get more information. Maintaining open lines of communication will continue to be a top priority as we move forward with the Reservist Program.

Staying Informed
There are several ways that you can continue to receive information on the Reservist Program.

• Bob’s Blog – we started this blog section with you in mind, to provide a public place for you to receive information on all topics related to the Disaster Workforce Transformation.

• The Employee Information and Resource Center Page at www.fema.gov/employees - this page is a great one-stop shop where you can find announcements, timelines, and videos. We posted step-by-step instructions for the application process—so be sure to download those.

• The FEMA Weekly – another great place to find announcements and information about the transition. If you aren’t subscribed via e-mail, you can find the most recent newsletters posted to www.fema.gov/employees.

• The FEMA Employee call center--the call center can be reached by calling 1-855-377-FEMA (3362), hours are from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. EDT Monday – Friday.

• Webinars – to discuss the Reservist Program, we will be conducting ongoing webinars on weekly basis with senior leadership from the appropriate offices. Be sure to closely monitor your e-mail or visit the employee resource page for upcoming dates and times.

I hope to hear from during one of the upcoming webinars, and look forward to sharing more news about the Reservist Program as it becomes available. In the meantime, feel free to post a comment below or visit the employee page on fema.gov for more information.

What’s the first thing you think of when someone says “hurricane supplies”? Maybe it is water, or batteries, or first aid supplies - all standard items in preparedness kits. What happened to those items before you purchased them? Someone had to buy the components, ship them, assemble the product, pack it, store it, ship it, store it again, market it, and finally, sell it to you. The companies providing those services, and you, the end consumer, are all part of a supply chain.

Now think about the things we use in disaster response – sandbags to stop rising floodwaters, food and water distributed in mass care operations, life-saving medicines used by first responders, even toys and games used by care-givers at shelters to give children a safe, low-stress environment. Imagine yourself as a disaster survivor needing those items, and the importance of resources to provide supply chain activities in emergency response hits home in a hurry. In fact, it is the success or failure of supply chains – the availability of life saving resources - that determines the magnitude of a disaster.

It is said that “information has to be accessible to be actionable”. In disaster response, the product has to be where it is needed to be useful. In supply chain management, we talk about the “seven rights” - the right product has to be delivered to the right customer, at the right time, at the right location, in the right condition, in the right quantities, at the right price. In a post-disaster scenario, a failure in any of those “rights” means that survivors don’t get the products and services they need, and the party responsible for product the products gets a black eye.

To ensure the “rights” are all met, we must ensure resiliency in both our commercial and disaster response supply chains. Yes, we need to pre-position products, but we also need to pre-position relationships that can be called upon when primary sources are inaccessible. We have to eschew rigid hierarchical structures and look for innovative, but secure, solutions. Like sharing for-profit private sector delivery networks, or using affinity groups to identify alternate sources. Creative answers are out there; we just have to ask the “whole community” to help us find and implement them.

At the American Logistics Aid Network, we harness the know-how and resources of the supply chain industry to bring relief to disaster survivors. ALAN connects relief organizations and emergency agencies responding to disasters with donations of transportation services, staging areas, warehouse storage, expert advice, and other vital resources. Visit www.ALANAid.org to learn more about our organization.

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend. 

 
Caption: Washington, D.C., June 1, 2012 -- (L to R on screen) FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, incoming National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb, Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano, Florida Governor Rick Scott and outgoing National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Bill Read participate in a video teleconference with state governors and federal officials marking the start of the 2012 hurricane season.

Weekend potential for severe weather 
I don’t know about you, but the four-day work week went fast. As we move into the weekend, our regional and D.C. offices are monitoring potential severe weather, including a storm system moving through the mid-Atlantic states this evening. Across other parts of the U.S., the National Weather Service is forecasting a wet weekend for those in the Northeast and portions of the Midwest, while portions of the Rocky Mountain region may experience thunderstorms and above average temperatures.

A great way to keep up with your latest weather forecast is at weather.gov (or a NOAA weather radio) and be sure to visit Ready.gov for tips on getting prepared before severe weather.

Recapping a week of hurricane preparedness 
With the start of hurricane season today, our blog has been packed with bloggers sharing their tips to get ready for hurricanes or tropical storms. In case you missed them during the week, below is a quick list of the authors and their posts. Hopefully the great stories and perspectives will inspire you to get your family, home, and business as prepared as possible for the effects of hurricanes or tropical storms.

• Preparing for this year’s hurricane season
  Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator 
• What’s in your emergency kit?
  Craig Cooper, Volunteer for the American Red Cross of Greater New York 
• Preparedness helps build strong, healthy, and safe communities
  Bryan Strawser, Senior Group Manager, Global Crisis Management, Target 
• Lessons for Hurricane Andrew
  John Zarrella, CNN, Miami Correspondent 
• Few storms expected, but it only takes one!
  Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric Science 
• The Waffle House Plan – Show Up
  Walt Ehmer, President, Waffle House, Inc. 
• A Small Vermont Business Struggles to Make a Comeback and Learns to Prepare for the Future
  Patrick Crowl, Owner, Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Vermont 
• Alerta durante la temporada de huracanes
  Karleen Cortés, periodista de Radio Isla 1320 AM

Mark your calendar 
In addition to looking back at a week sharing hurricane preparedness, we’re also looking forward to two upcoming events:

• Tuesday, June 5, 3 p.m. ET – National Preparedness Month kickoff, to discuss how you can become a National Preparedness Month coalition member and encourage those in your community to pledge to prepare. Learn strategies for sharing emergency preparedness at home, school, or the workplace from those who have been successful. Details at citizencorps.gov. 
• Thursday, June 28 – FEMA Think Tank conference call, about increasing the coordination and collaboration between emergency management, healthcare and the public health sectors. Last month’s Think Tank call was a robust discussion about how the city of Joplin, Mo. has continued to recover from last year’s deadly tornado. Learn more at fema.gov/thinktank.

I encourage you to join us for both of the calls, and to have a safe weekend.

I have a confession – between public seminars, TV and radio interviews and even speaking to the kids at my daughter’s grade school about preparing an emergency kit, I’m the last person you’d expect to have dead batteries in a flashlight. But when Hurricane Irene knocked out the electricity for hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders last year, there I was, a Red Cross Volunteer, sitting with my wife and daughter watching the last flicker of light dwindle from the flashlight we strategically left in the kitchen.

As hurricane season begins, our partners at FEMA share the Red Cross’s dedication to making sure every family understands the risks they face, even in places where hurricanes and tropical storms aren’t common (just ask the folks in the mountains of Vermont or Pennsylvania.) You’ve probably heard the expression “Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst.” You can visit RedCross.org or Ready.gov/hurricanes to learn the details of planning for a disaster and staying informed.

But for now, let’s talk about the one thing you should do right now – check what you have, and buy what you need to make an emergency kit. Why now? Because if you’re lucky to have enough warning of an approaching storm, by the time you get to your local store, your neighbors may have already bought the last bottle of water and battery in town. It’s a very unpleasant surprise.




Your family or office emergency kit will include some very important things. Most are obvious, others less so. See which of these you’d think of:

• Water – one gallon per person, per day – 2 weeks’ worth
• Food – non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items – 2 week supply for home 
• Manual can opener – nothing worse than having cans and no opener! 
• Flashlight – check each one now, and consider having several to keep in different rooms. Make sure they work! 
• Extra batteries – Buy the right sizes for your flashlights and other devices. 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) 
• First aid kit 
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items 
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) 
• Cell phone with chargers – remember, you can charge a phone in your car 
• Family and emergency contact information 
• Extra cash 
• Emergency blanket 
• Map(s) of the area

So far, so good? Don’t forget the unique needs in your family:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) 
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) 
• Games and activities for children 
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) 
• Two-way radios 
• Extra set of car keys and house keys

No matter how close you live to the historical “hot-spots”, your home and community are potential targets for a hurricane, tropical storm or unexpected flooding that can strike suddenly – hundreds of miles from the coastline.

Take the list above, go through the house right now, and determine what you have. See what works, and make a list of what you need. Be a good neighbor and check on any elderly or disabled folks who might appreciate a little help ahead of time. Then, make sure your family has an emergency plan, and know how to keep informed if a storm is heading your way.

While I hope you won’t need to use your emergency kit, here’s hoping we won’t bump into each other in the battery aisle and see nothing but empty shelves.

Visit RedCross.org for complete preparation details. Get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

Aunque sin duda vivir en una isla tropical tiene sus beneficios, quienes residimos en Puerto Rico no somos inmunes a las inclemencias del tiempo. Con el inicio de la temporada de huracanes el primero de junio, es importante tomar acción ahora para evitar, en la medida que sea posible, daños y/o pérdidas irreparables ante el paso de algún evento atmosférico.

Como recordarán, aunque el huracán Irene no atravesó la Isla con la fuerza que se esperaba, aún así fueron muchos quienes ante su paso, perdieron sus residencias y algunos hasta su vida.

La planificación es clave

Según el exdirector ejecutivo de la Agencia Estatal para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres (AEMEAD), Epifanio Jiménez, el pueblo deberá preguntarse "cuán vulnerable somos a uno de estos acontecimientos." Acto seguido, existen varios pasos a tomar:

• Desarrolla un plan doméstico familiar 
• "Toda familia debe considerar el peor de los escenarios" y establecer un plan 
• Coordinar con los vecinos la ayuda necesaria para convertir ese plan en uno comunitario y luego municipal, junto con la asistencia de su alcalde

• Reservas suficientes de aquello que sea primordial 
• Alimentos enlatados 
• Agua 
• Botiquín de primeros auxilios 
• Reservas adicionales de medicamentos vitales

• Sistema de Comunicación 
• Radios portátiles y baterías 
• Linternas 
• Coordinar con vecinos y familiares cómo lograr comunicación entre todos ante cualquier eventualidad 
• Identificar qué refugios estarían disponibles además de los municipales

Jiménez destacó que las oficinas locales de Manejo de Emergencias tienen la obligación de orientar a la comunidad a desarrollar los planes de acción durante esta temporada. Localízalas en tu municipio y ten siempre a la mano los números de emergencias.

No subestimes las amenazas 

Al preguntarle al extitular de AEMEAD cómo se puede evitar la pérdida de una vida, éste recalcó la importancia de concienciar al pueblo de lo necesaria que es la preparación y en el error grave que consiste el subestimar el impacto que pueda tener un huracán, especialmente cuando el país no ha sido azotado por uno de gran magnitud en varios años.

De igual forma, Jiménez recordó a la población que no debe depender por completo de la organización del primer incumbente municipal puesto a que "si bien es cierto que el alcalde tiene una organización y que va a asistir, no es menos cierto que las primeras 24 horas después del impacto, de cualquier emergencia, estamos solos. El alcalde y su equipo, por más responsables que sean, también son jefes o miembros de familia y viven en una comunidad donde tratarán de atender a los que están inmediatos."

Así que, ya sabes, toma las medidas necesarias para salvaguardar tu vida y la de los tuyos. Desarrolla tu plan de acción.

Como expresó Jiménez: "Si te preparas, si te ejercitas, sobre la realidad de estos fenómenos, podemos sobrevivir."

Editor's Note: This blog was originally posted on the White House Blog.

Today marks the start of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Under the direction of President Obama, FEMA and DHS stand ready to support our state and local partners as the tropics start to produce their annual cyclones, storms, and hurricanes. On Wednesday, I joined Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano as well as partners from NOAA, DOE, the Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from states and the private sector to brief the President on steps FEMA and our partners have already taken to meet the challenges of the 2012 hurricanes season. That briefing underscored the importance of the whole community, from the federal government to individual citizens, working together to get prepared before a potential storm threatens a region, state, or community.



Long before the start of this year’s hurricane season, FEMA has worked closely with our partners at the state, local and tribal levels. This includes openly sharing information and expertise that will improve resiliency across our nation, cities, towns, neighborhoods, and families. For FEMA, building relationships before a disaster strikes is vital to working closely together during and after an emergency situation.

But government doesn’t prepare for and respond to disasters alone. Right alongside are the hundreds of businesses, voluntary agencies, and faith- and community-based organizations who provide vital services to both communities and individuals affected by disasters. Some of these organizations provide for basic needs like food, water, and shelter – while others respond to needs such as financial consulting, animal sheltering, or help processing your insurance claim.

While all the players I mentioned play a part in keeping our nation and neighborhoods safer in case disaster strikes – these efforts will fall flat unless individuals take part in their own preparedness. Fortunately, the short amount of time and effort it takes to make our families and homes safer is well worth the payoff if an emergency should happen. For example, here are three simple steps you can take today:

• Familiarize yourself with the disasters or emergencies that could happen where you live, work or frequently visit, 
• Decide and practice how your family would communicate after an emergency, and 
• Build an emergency supply kit to sustain your family for at least 72 hours.

So as we move into the traditional start of the Atlantic hurricane season, I encourage you to respond to the important role you play as part of the emergency management team. You can start with one of the three steps I listed out above, or by pledging to prepare at Ready.gov/hurricanes.

A little over one year ago, on May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado tore through the city of Joplin, MO and surrounding areas. This tornado caused significant damage and tragic loss of 161 lives. I was on the ground less than 15 hours after the event and saw firsthand the inspiration leadership displayed by community leaders. I drew inspiration from the people of Joplin-how the leaders gave hope to the residents of Joplin and hope to the country. And that is why I chose Joplin as the location for the May Think Tank Conference Call. It was an opportunity to return almost a year later and listen to community leaders while they shared their experiences and lessons learned with over 30 community members at Missouri Southern State University and more than 500 people on the phone nationwide.


Joplin, Mo., May 15, 2012 -- More than 40 Joplin officials and community leaders gathered to share lessons learned from a devastating May 2011 tornado as part of a nationwide Think Tank teleconference on pre-disaster recovery planning hosted at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.

The resilience of the community has been nothing short of amazing, which is both a testament to the city’s inspirational leadership and to some of the pre-planning that took place. In case you missed the call, here’s a quick recap.

Recovery Efforts in Joplin

Dr. Bruce Speck, President of MSSU, spoke about the integral role that the University played in helping the community recover. “Only three weeks before the tornado hit we finalized an agreement with the American Red Cross to serve as an emergency shelter. At the time, some may have wondered when we would ever be called to serve such a need. Little did we know that need was lying just ahead of us and would test our strength and resilience in a way we'd never imagined.” Soon after the tornado, MSSU stepped in and offered its campus as a shelter, surge medical clinic, and volunteer coordination point, among a number of other things.


 Joplin, Mo., May 15, 2012 -- Officials hosting the May Think Tank on Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning listen to feedback from more than 40 local and Joplin community leaders about the city's long-term recovery in the wake of an EF-5 tornado that devastated one-third of the city in May 2011. From left: Deb Ingram, FEMA Associate Administrator for Recovery; Beth Freeman, FEMA Region VII Administrator; Dr. Bruce Speck, president, Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, and Richard Serino, FEMA Deputy Administrator.

Other speakers from Joplin included those first on the scene, like Mark Rohr, the City Manager of Joplin, and Keith Stammer, Director of the Jasper County Emergency Management Agency. Both have been integral to the response and ongoing recovery efforts of the communities affected by the tornado. Callers asked many questions about their experiences and lessons learned throughout the recovery efforts. Rohr stressed the need for strong local leadership and continued communication with the people affected by the disaster, while Stammer focused on the value of preexisting relationships and agreements such as the one between MSSU and the American Red Cross.

Jane Cage, Chair of Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, and Stephanie Brady, Director of Programs at the Independent Living Center, also spoke about their efforts. Cage and Brady’s comments supported the lessons learned that were shared by Rohr and Stammer. Brady discussed her role in representing the disability community in Joplin. Cage spoke about the impact that volunteers can have on a community’s recovery. Rohr pointed out that there were 130,000 volunteers for 755,000 hours of community service, valued at over $17 million and more than 82 years' worth of community service. Each story and lesson learned provided all the participants, myself included, with valuable lessons and insight into the recovery process. For more insight into the inspiration efforts of these community leaders, I encourage you to read this article from the Boston Globe.

Integrating Planning for Recovery

The second topic of the call focused on how to integrate recovery into all planning, stakeholder engagement, community participation, and Tribal and Federal partnerships. Deb Ingram, Assistant Administrator for FEMA’s Recovery Directorate, provided information about the National Disaster Recovery Framework and stressed the importance of the whole community coming together in pre-disaster recovery planning including economic, health and social services, infrastructure, schools and housing partners.



Amanda Phan from the Fairfax County, Virginia Office of Emergency Management, spoke about the comprehensive pre-disaster recovery plan recently completed by her office, highlighting the number the stakeholders involved in its creation. Phan explained some of the successful pieces of their planning process, such as how to get stakeholders engaged in the project.

I commend the people of Joplin for their resilience and the extraordinary progress that the city has made in less than a year. I would also like to thank everyone that worked, and continue to work, to help Joplin recovery. The team of citizens, volunteers, local, state, and federal government partners is essential; and has been an amazing source of hope to the survivors and country as a whole.

For the next Think Tank conference call, FEMA is partnering with Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the Department of Health and Human Services. The theme for the June call is Emergency Management, Healthcare and Public Health: Increasing Coordination and Collaboration and will take place on June 28.

Please submit your ideas and comments on this theme, or on any topic related to emergency management, to the Think Tank Online Forum. A full transcript of the May 15 conference call is available at www.fema.gov/thinktank.