FEMA Announces 2022 Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the 2022-2023 Youth Preparedness Council members today.

FEMA selected 15 new members to join 10 returning council members. Members were selected based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to increase levels of community resilience throughout the country.

This year, FEMA celebrates the council’s 10th anniversary. FEMA created the council in 2012 to bring together diverse young leaders interested in strengthening disaster preparedness across the nation and within their communities.

“Today, we welcome and celebrate the new Youth Preparedness Council members, who represent the next generation of emergency managers,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This culturally diverse, creative and dedicated group of young leaders will build upon the significant contributions made by past council members over the last decade, helping to make their communities more resilient to disasters.”

Youth Preparedness Council Members The New 2022 Council Members

Sophie Fares of California

Lauren Coval of Colorado

Taylor Worbington of Florida

Vaishnavi Kumbala of Louisiana

Navin Ramesh of Massachusetts

Theo Illarionov of Massachusetts

Janice Saji of Michigan

Aarushi Bute of Missouri

Meher Harjani of New Jersey

Amanda Cisse of New York

Kemi Heyward-Rotimi of North Carolina

Neha Srinivasan of Oregon

Ryan Liu of Texas

Layla Ibrahim of Virginia

Katie Clark of Washington

The Returning Council Members

Isaac Doll of Colorado

Aubrey Dockins of Florida

Miles Butler of Idaho

Beitris Boyreau-Millar of Maryland

Ranjana Ramesh of Massachusetts

Alexia Nastasia of Missouri

Mirika Jambudi of New Jersey

Megan Cameron of New York

Amira Seay of Texas

Shivani Jayaprakasam of Washington

The council demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation. The council provides an avenue to engage young people by considering their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

This year, each council member, all eighth through 12th graders, will participate in the Youth Preparedness Council summit held virtually in late July. During this annual event, members will participate in online preparedness activities, learn from senior leaders in national preparedness and engage with FEMA community preparedness staff who offer support and mentorship throughout their term.

To learn more about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council, visit: fema.gov/ypc 

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 06/28/2022 - 14:42

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Emerson College for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to Emerson College to reimburse the college for the cost of testing students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,026,775 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the private liberal arts college in Boston for the cost of diagnostic testing between January and November 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Emerson College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states, communities and certain private non profit organizations recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:09

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Westfield State University for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to Westfield State University to reimburse the college for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,269,231 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the public university in Westfield for the cost of diagnostic testing between February 2021 and June 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Westfield State University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states, communities and certain private non profit organizations recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:07

FEMA Awards Almost $6.4 Million To Connecticut For COVID Test Kits

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $6.4 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for purchasing and distributing test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,374,700 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will reimburse it for purchasing and distributing approximately 637,470 COVID-19 Antigen test kits between January and March 2022.

DAS and the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) set up five distribution centers around the state for municipalities, state employees, private non-profit providers, and residents of state-run or state-funded congregate housing, day programs, at-home services, nursing homes, early childhood providers, and vulnerable populations to pick up their assigned allotment of test kits.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $416 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:05

FEMA Awards Over $6.6 Million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $6.6 million to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute to reimburse the university for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,665,844 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private science and engineering university in Worcester for the cost of diagnostic testing between July 2020 and January 2021.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute set out to test all students and college employees so that those infected with COVID-19 could be removed quickly from campus and interactive activities, thus preventing outbreaks. Approximately 265,945 diagnostic COVID-19 tests were performed at a cost of $25 per test.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Worcester Polytechnic Institute with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states, communities and certain private non profit organizations recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:03

FEMA Awards Nearly $4.8 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Operating Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with caring for youths in its custody during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,788,225 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for the costs associated with operating safely during the pandemic between July 2020 and July 2021.

The department temporarily closed its congregate care facilities, and contracted with several vendors to provide safety units, with single bedrooms and site care service placement for youths who tested positive or were presumed positive for the COVID-19 virus:

• The Justice Resource Institute, Inc. - $1,827,258;
• The Stetson School, Inc. - $628,202;
• The Home for Little Wanderers, Inc. - $1,756,428; and
• Centerboard, Inc. - $370,499

The Department of Children and Families also contracted with U.S. Security Associates, Inc. for $205,837 to provide security services at these locations.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 23:58

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends New Mexico Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. amended disaster assistance available to the state of New Mexico as a result of wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on April 5 and continuing.

Under the President's order today, the federal share for Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will include 100% of the total eligible costs for a 90-day period from the date of declaration. Emergency Protective measures can provide funding for emergency work, including procuring equipment and supplies for responders, supporting evacuation requirements such as traffic control and sheltering residents, pre-positioning resources to support the response, and establishing field camps and meals for responders.

In the President’s original major disaster declaration issued for New Mexico on May 4, federal funding was made available at 75% the total eligible costs.        

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/27/2022 - 19:11

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Clear Fire in Alaska

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Clear Fire burning in Yukon/Koyukuk Census Area/Denali Borough, Alaska. 

The state of Alaska’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, June. 25, 2022, at 11:17 p.m. PT. He determined that the Clear Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Alaska wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Kobe Ag, Quota, and Anderson subdivisions. The fire also threatened Clear Space Force Radar Station, Golden Valley Electric Cooperative transmission lines, communication towers, the Alaska Highway, the Alaska Railroad, and several tribal allotments in the area. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $786,552 will be available to Alaska through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/27/2022 - 18:15

FEMA Awards Over $1.4 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with the sheltering of homeless persons who contracted the coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,421,062 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the costs associated with the sheltering of COVID-positive populations between April 2020 and July 2021.

The agency, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Broad Institutes (MIT & Harvard), set up five isolation and recovery sites to help COVID-positive homeless individuals safely isolate and recover.

To run these isolation & recovery sites, the agency contracted with Commonwealth Care Alliance, Behavior Health Network, Eliot Community Human Services, Inc, and North Suffolk Mental Health Association, which provided support staff and counselors to assist with the daily management, behavioral health triage, training, and support for non-congregate sheltering of COVID-positive homeless individuals.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 17:07

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.5 Million For COVID Emergency Meals Program

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.5 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing emergency meals for residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,497,525 Public Assistance grant will go to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for providing meal preparation and delivery service to high-risk populations under the the state’s emergency feeding program “Vermont Everyone Eats” between February and March 2022.

During that time the agency entered into an agreement with Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. (SEVCA), which established and coordinated with state-wide subcontractors (Hubs) that oversaw restaurant engagement, production, and distribution of 119,802 meals to high-risk individuals and those individuals 65 and overmeals experiencing food insecurity.

The program launched in August 2020 with $5 million from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund and has continued with additional funding through FEMA.

“FEMA is pleased to support Vermont’s innovative approach to assisting its most vulnerable populations,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “By involving the private sector in the preparation and distribution of meals, both those faced with food insecurity and those who work at restaurants are helped.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $359 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 16:40

FEMA Awards Over $1.4 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with the sheltering of high-risk homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,434,451 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for the costs associated with the sheltering of high-risk homeless populations between November 2020 and May 2021.

Contract services were used to open and operate a temporary shelter at the Health and Wellness Center in Boston which required interior facility disinfection, hiring security, and the purchase and distribution of food, water and ice.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 16:35

Stay in Touch with FEMA to Help Speed Your Recovery

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As homeowners and renters recover from the tornadoes, particularly after you have applied for FEMA assistance, your circumstances may have changed.

You may have a new address or phone number. Your insurance claims may have been settled. You may need more help with essential needs but aren’t sure where to turn.

These are just some of the reasons it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA. FEMA may need to contact you, and missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of assistance.

Survivors of the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes can contact FEMA to update your applications, get the status of your case or ask questions about the disaster assistance process. You’re encouraged to update FEMA with your contact information, including any email changes, as soon as possible and as often as necessary.

FEMA also can refer you to available services like crisis counseling, disaster legal assistance or non-profit programs that offer additional resources for your remaining needs.

Notify FEMA when your insurance claim is settled. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program may cover damage that your insurance does not.

Here’s how to stay in touch with FEMA:

• Create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you already have one, you can log in and update your status or upload your documents.

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.  
• You can fax FEMA at 800-827-8112 and provide a copy of your insurance settlement and your appeal letter. You may also submit documents to this address:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

When contacting FEMA, keep handy the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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                       FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

johanna.strickland Mon, 06/27/2022 - 13:09

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Connecticut for 2018 Storm Recovery Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the administrative costs of recovering from the tornadoes and storms that struck the state on May 15, 2018.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection will receive a total of $1,275,694 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of administering the Public Assistance grants that the state received to respond to and recover from the storm.

A line of thunderstorms hit the southwest corner of the state, spawning multiple tornadoes and high winds that left two dead and hundreds of thousands without power after millions of trees were knocked down.

Hundreds of homes were damaged and several state parks – Sleeping Giant, Kettletown, and Wharton Brook – were temporarily closed as a result of downed trees and damaged infrastructure.

FEMA awarded nearly $19 million in Public Assistance grants to state and local governments for the disaster. Under the program, the agency awards administrative costs calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to reimburse Connecticut for the administrative costs incurred recovering from this storm,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Recovery is a process that takes time and effort by state and local governments, and this grant recognizes those realities.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

adrien.urbani Thu, 06/23/2022 - 00:20

FEMA Approves Another $7.5 Million for Utah COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved $7.5 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided more than $284 million for the Utah COVID-19 response to date with this additional funding.

FEMA awarded the grant funds to the Utah Department of Health to reimburse them for the cost of providing COVID-19 test kits, sample collection services and lab processing of tests at no cost to the public.  To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Utah Department of Health used contracted services to collect more than 15,600 samples and process more than 128,000 diagnostic tests.  This award covers the cost of COVID-19 testing from May 24, 2021 to January 31, 2022.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local governments to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, tribal and local officials work to assist their communities during this response.  

To fully support this essential work, the President authorized provision of FEMA Public Assistance at 100 percent federal funding through July 1, 2022.   Beginning July 2, 2022, the federal cost share for COVID-19 projects will be 90 percent of the eligible cost.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Wed, 06/22/2022 - 19:18

FEMA Advances Equity, Launches Campaign in English and Spanish Promoting Free, Low-Cost Flood Preparedness Options

WASHINGTON -- In an effort to reach more communities at the onset of hurricane season, FEMA is launching a dual-language advertising campaign to educate and remind residents of the flood preparedness actions they can take to fit almost any budget.

The ads will be broadcast across iHeartMedia’s traditional and digital networks and will promote preparedness tips, aligning with FEMA’s equity goal to tailor disaster solutions that meet the unique needs of different communities. The ads will air in several hurricane-prone states, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

“We are focused on eliminating the longstanding barriers underserved communities face during disasters. One way we are doing this is by meeting people where they are -- in the languages they understand,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new, bilingual campaign aims to ensure more communities are prepared for intensifying disasters by getting the word out in both English and Spanish, while sharing that wise flood preparation doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, if any at all.”

The ads will produce approximately 8,700 radio airings over iHeartMedia’s networks to an estimated reach of 61 million listeners with an additional 24 million listeners over digital networks.

FEMA’s partnership with iHeartMedia will use risk, income, Census and other data to ensure the ads reach underserved communities, providing important messages about flood risk awareness and protection options. Ads began Monday, June 20, and will run in English and Spanish through mid-July. 

Free and low-budget flood preparedness tips that can protect homes, families and finances include:

• Store documents like passports and birth certificates in a flood-safe place.
• Elevate items that you want to protect.
• Toss out debris from gutters and drains.

For more information on flood preparedness visit the following sites:

• FloodSmart.gov/SET
• FloodSmart.gov/es/SET
• Ready.gov/floods
• Listo.gov/inundaciones

FEMA’s Ready Campaign also launched a new webpage to help individuals with low and no-cost preparedness tips.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 06/22/2022 - 15:45

FEMA Seeking Public Comment on Alerting and Notification Plan in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Alerting and Notification exercise scheduled for the North Anna Power Station and Surry Power Station.

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a virtual public meeting to seek public comment on a significant plan change to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s alert and notification system for nuclear power plant emergencies.  FEMA will conduct an exercise of the new system on June 28, 2022.

“FEMA is seeking the public’s comments on the proposed plan change to replace sirens with wireless emergency alerts via cellular phones as the primary alert and notification system.  This drill will test the government’s ability to alert and notify the public with the new system in the event of an emergency at either the Surry Power Station or North Anna Power Station,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess the plan changes that replace the sirens with wireless emergency alerts received through cellular phones within the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

FEMA will use the exercise results to make its decision on approving the significant plan change. 

FEMA will hear from members of the public and present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2022.  The meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  Access to the public meeting is provided below:

ZoomGov Meeting:

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1613837407

Meeting ID:  161 383 7407

Passcode:  725804

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) will test the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) infrastructure at the following dates, times, and locations:

North Anna Power Station – Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Test: 9:30 am  

Surry Power Station – Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Test: 1:30 pm  

This test will support ongoing preparations for the transition from the existing siren system to WEA for emergencies at Virginia’s two nuclear power stations. The tests will validate system design standards and help identify any administrative improvements.

The test message sent to the WEA infrastructure will only be received by specially configured phones and will read:

“This is a Wireless Emergency Alert Test. No actions are required.”

Only those phones that have been opted in specifically to receive system test messages will display the test message. Most mobile phones will not display the test message. It is important to note that in an actual emergency, everyone with alerts enabled will automatically receive wireless emergency alerts on compatible phones even if they do not receive test messages.

Members of the public may opt in to receive FEMA IPAWS/WEA test messages.  Instructions on opt in procedures can be found in the following link:

IPAWS: New Procedure for Opting-In to WEA Tests on Apple Devices (govdelivery.com)

More information about FEMA IPAWS/WEA can be found at Integrated Public Alert & Warning System | FEMA.gov.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Wed, 06/22/2022 - 14:41

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.9 Million to Connecticut College for COVID Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.9 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Connecticut College for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private liberal arts college in New London will receive a total of $1,855,566 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of providing approximately 80,699 tests for students and staff between August 2020 and December 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Connecticut College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $416 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/22/2022 - 01:48

FEMA Awards More Than $1 Million to State of Maine For COVID Testing Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Maine to reimburse the cost of testing the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,062,625 Public Assistance grant will go to the Maine Department for Health and Human Services to cover the cost of providing 42,505 tests to the public at 62 Walgreens locations throughout the state between August and September 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Maine with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

So far, FEMA has provided more than $133 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/22/2022 - 01:45

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.7 Million for COVID Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.7 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing non-congregate sheltering for the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,696,237 Public Assistance grant will go to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for contracting with two hotels – Harbor Place in Shelburne and the Ho Hum Motel in South Burlington – to provide rooms between October 2020 and March 2022. The state also contracted for transportation costs to return shelter occupants back to their original communities once cleared to do so by a healthcare professional.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Vermont with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $359 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/22/2022 - 01:38

FEMA Awards Nearly $51 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Supply Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $51 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the cost of purchasing needed supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $50,990,775 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for part of the cost of purchasing supplies between March 2020 and July  2021.

Those supplies included alcohol prep pads; gowns; body bags; hand sanitizer; bouffants; high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters; circuit arm supports; KN95 masks; culture fluid; nasal swabs; disinfecting wipes; disposable masks; powered air purifying (PAPR) respirators, neck capes, and filters; face shields; pillows; first aid kits; shoe covers; disposable surgical gloves; viral bacterial filters; glucose test solution and strips; viral transport tubes and eye protection.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/22/2022 - 01:33