GAO (Government Accountability Office) released this week an updated report on FEMA’s efforts to effectively integrate IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) into the nation’s existing Emergency Alert System (EAS). Initiated in 2004, IPAWS is meant to integrate EAS participants (e.g. broadcast radio and television, cable operators, satellite radio...
FEMA’s National Integration Center (NIC) has recently created a public forum on the FEMA website to review and update the NIMS (National Incident Management System). The purpose of this system is to identify “concepts and principles that answer how to manage emergencies from preparedness to recovery regardless of their cause,...
For 2013, FEMA encourages one of your New Year Resolutions to include emergency ready preparations for you and your family. With FEMA’s ‘Resolve to be Ready’ campaign, the integration of technology and preparedness has lead to the creation of the FEMA mobile app, printable emergency plans, and a Family Emergency...
“At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] continues to coordinate federal government assistance — including Department of Defense-provided aid — to support states in response and recovery of Hurricane Sandy[.]” Involvement in the response to this storm also includes U.S. Northern Command, more than...
“This summer millions of business across the country were forced to close their doors in the aftermath of power outages, approaching wildfires, and flooding caused by tropical storms. Business interruptions, even if it lasts just a few hours, cost business owners greatly in terms of lost productivity and profits. You...
Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness (PPD-8) describes the Nation’s approach to preparing for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. The Directive requires a National Preparedness Report (NPR), an annual report summarizing the progress made toward building, sustaining, and delivering...
Nearly one year ago today the third largest tornado outbreak in US history (since systematic tornado record keeping began in 1950) was recorded on April 25-28, 2011. The areas most affected by the devastating tornadoes included the Southern, Midwestern, and Northeastern United States. In particular, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee,...
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have partnered “to develop community-based strategies and tools to improve the public’s awareness and reporting of suspicious activity.” The guide Resource Guide to Improve Your Community’s Awareness and Reporting of Suspicious Activity for Law Enforcement and Community...
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have partnered in recognition of the first anniversary of “one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history” to raise public awareness of what to do during severe weather and help save lives. “Last April, tornadoes...
This week (March 12-16), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have partnered together to promote Flood Safety Awareness Week 2012. If you are a first responder or other emergency management personnel, live in a flood prone area or would just like to...
