Federal Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Chemical Weapons Stockpile Destruction Highlights over 30 years of IEM Support

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

MORRISVILLE, N.C., July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Defense announced July 7, 2023 the final munition in the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile was safely destroyed at the Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky. The last M55 rocket containing GB nerve agent was punched and drained at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, which will continue to process the agent-contaminated secondary waste in rocket warheads through 2024. IEM has supported the U.S. Army by providing technical support to protect chemical weapons stockpile sites since the early 1990s.

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IEM has supported the U.S. Army by providing technical support to protect chemical weapons stockpile sites since the early 1990s.
"IEM has proudly provided integrated technical and programmatic support to make the communities surrounding the stockpile sites safer for the past 30 plus years.
In 1998, IEM began supporting the Westinghouse-Anniston team, which operated the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility to destroy the chemical weapons stockpile at the Anniston Army Depot, Alabama.
In addition, IEM continues to provide support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP), including full scale exercise support.

Contractor Fraud Surges After Catastrophic Weather Events

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

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DES PLAINES, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the recent severe storms and tornadoes that hit a wide-ranging area of the U.S. recently, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan and Oklahoma, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry's association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, is providing information and tips to help consumers navigate the insurance and rebuilding process after catastrophic events and disasters occur. NICB is also warning Americans affected by these weather events to stay vigilant against dishonest contractors and scammers.

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NICB is also warning Americans affected by these weather events to stay vigilant against dishonest contractors and scammers.
NICB is offering tips to help consumers navigate the insurance process after catastrophic events and disasters.
"After many natural disasters and catastrophic weather events, contractor fraud surges as dishonest contractors target and exploit homeowners, as well as insurance providers, which result in higher insurance costs for everyone," said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe.
Look out for out-of-state contractor licenses, as well as out-of-state vehicle registrations, as these may also indicate possible fraudulent contractors.

When homes flood, who retreats and to where? We mapped thousands of buyouts and found the average move is only 7 miles, and race plays a role

Retrieved on:

Thursday, June 15, 2023

He sold his flooded home, purchased his grandmother’s former house on New Orleans’ west bank, which hadn’t flooded, and moved in.

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He sold his flooded home, purchased his grandmother’s former house on New Orleans’ west bank, which hadn’t flooded, and moved in.
It felt good to be back within its familiar walls, but his mind was on the future.
“My other house wasn’t supposed to flood, and now insurance costs are going through the roof; it’s bad,” he told us.
“I wanted to keep my grandma’s place in the family, but I don’t know how much longer I can stay.

Tracking where people go in managed retreat

That FEMA program is the largest managed retreat, or buyout, program in the country, by far.
To date, officials have implemented the program in more than 500 cities and towns in every state but Hawaii.
After tracking down where homeowners moved, we attached flood risk scores to their origin and destination addresses.

Most homeowners who retreat stay close

Regardless of location, we found that most retreating homeowners do not move far.
Nationwide, the median driving distance between people’s old and new homes in our database is just 7.4 miles (11.9 kilometers).
When illuminated, they reveal that most retreating homeowners are not moving long distances to safer towns, states and regions; they are churning in and between nearby neighborhoods.
Nationwide, 70% of participants lowered their flood risk score through retreat, while only 8% increased it.

Race plays a role

It is the racial composition of their immediate neighborhood.
We found that retreating homeowners in majority-white neighborhoods are willing to endure 30% higher flood risk before selling to the government and relocating than homeowners in majority-Black neighborhoods.
One is the heightened social status of predominantly white neighborhoods, which can encourage significant public and private investment after major disasters.

Lessons for future buyout programs

Like Kirt Talamo, their minds will be on what happens next in a world where past housing decisions seem to be increasingly unsustainable.
James R. Elliott has received funding for this line of research from the National Science Foundation.

CAI APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE FAIRNESS ACT IN CONGRESS

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

3777, the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act , in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

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3777, the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act , in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
Under current law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency inconsistently interprets regulations, thereby preventing community associations from qualifying for federal disaster response and recovery programs.
3777 will ensure housing cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowners associations are eligible for the same FEMA assistance available to other homeowners.
CAI members from across the country are grateful to see the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act reintroduced,” says Thomas M. Skiba, CAE, CAI’s chief executive officer.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Releases Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Best Practices

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

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SHORT HILLS, N.J., June 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation today released the Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet, designed to be one of the most comprehensive, crucial resources that aid national organizations, people living with paralysis and their caretakers in preparing for emergencies and impending weather. From identifying an individual's mobility needs, to understanding risks and planning for the unknown, this resource aids in the betterment of assessing challenges and tangible solutions that those living with paralysis may face during volatile times.

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In instances of disaster, such as a fire, blizzard, tornado warning or hurricane flood, those living with paralysis have extenuating factors to consider to ensure their safety and livelihood.
These include power outages for those utilizing electricity-dependent medical equipment, caregiving interruptions, and even when, where, and how to evacuate.
The Reeve Foundation sourced national safety leaders and people living with paralysis to share resources.
The Reeve Foundation strives to better serve those living with paralysis and help them adequately navigate these already stressful situations much more confidently and efficiently.

Former FEMA Regional Administrator and Chicago-Area Aviation Executive Joins IEM

Retrieved on:

Monday, June 5, 2023

MORRISVILLE, N.C., June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IEM, the largest woman-and minority-owned disaster recovery and emergency management global consulting firm, has named Andrew Velasquez III the new Director of Big City Emergency Management. Velasquez will support IEM's emergency management projects, including disaster response and recovery efforts to build resilience, in large metropolitan areas.

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Velasquez will support IEM's emergency management projects, including disaster response and recovery efforts to build resilience, in large metropolitan areas.
IEM, a global consulting firm, named Andrew Velasquez III the new Director of Big City Emergency Management.
Velasquez joins IEM as the firm expands its focus on providing the resources and tools for strategic planning, program management, and safety, security and resiliency initiatives for major metropolitan areas.
He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed the Naval Postgraduate School's Executive Leadership programs in Homeland Defense and Security and Radiological Emergency Preparedness.

DeWitt Guam Supports FEMA's Disaster Relief Efforts with Vital Supply Logistics

Retrieved on:

Monday, June 5, 2023

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GUAM, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DeWitt Guam, a leading logistics and transportation company, is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in providing crucial disaster relief supplies to schools, shelters, and the village mayor's offices in Guam.

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GUAM, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DeWitt Guam, a leading logistics and transportation company, is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in providing crucial disaster relief supplies to schools, shelters, and the village mayor's offices in Guam.
Preparations and collaboration with FEMA commenced before Typhoon Mawar struck Guam, ensuring that emergency relief efforts could be promptly initiated.
DeWitt Guam's efficient planning and coordination have allowed for a seamless transition from the initial stages of the disaster to the ongoing relief efforts.
DeWitt Guam is proud to support FEMA's disaster relief efforts and is committed to assisting communities in their time of need.

Trucking Cares Foundation Donates $25,000 to Virginia Task Force-1

Retrieved on:

Friday, June 2, 2023

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Trucking Cares Foundation, the trucking industry's charitable arm, donated $25,000 to Virginia Task Force-1, one of the world's leading disaster response resources.

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WASHINGTON, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Trucking Cares Foundation, the trucking industry's charitable arm, donated $25,000 to Virginia Task Force-1, one of the world's leading disaster response resources.
The bottom line is, if there is any industry that appreciates the need for special equipment, it is the trucking industry."
"But our work can't begin until groups like Virginia Task Force 1 get on the ground and begin rescue and recovery efforts.
For more information on the Trucking Cares Foundation, visit https://www.truckingcares.org/ .

Accela Expands Natural Disaster Recovery Solution to Help Communities Prepare for Historic Natural Disasters

Retrieved on:

Thursday, June 1, 2023

SAN RAMON, Calif., June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Accela®, the trusted provider at the heart of government operations, today announced the expansion of its cloud-based solution to help communities respond to and prepare for the growing threat of natural disasters. The updated Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) can now be used in the event of hurricanes, fires, floods, tornados and more. With new geospatial and mobile capabilities, the pre-configured solution is instantly available to hundreds of existing government customers and quickly available to new customers as part of Accela's Civic Platform.

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Communities are facing historic flooding from record West Coast snowmelt, worsening fire seasons, and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, putting residents' lives, livelihoods, businesses and infrastructure at risk.
As agencies work to increase their communities' resiliency, they need quick, affordable and easy-to-implement technology to expedite relief and help them prepare.
Accela's new, easy-to-use tools help agencies prepare and respond to get communities back on their feet," said Accela Vice President of Product Management Amber D'Ottavio.
The solution now helps communities prepare by ensuring safety codes are being enforced across structures, hazardous materials, fire safety and more.

Fannie Mae Reminds Homeowners, Renters, and Mortgage Servicers of Disaster Relief Options for Those Affected by Typhoon Mawar in Guam

Retrieved on:

Friday, May 26, 2023

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WASHINGTON, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) is reminding homeowners and renters impacted by natural disasters, including those affected by Typhoon Mawar in Guam, of available mortgage assistance and disaster relief options.

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WASHINGTON, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) is reminding homeowners and renters impacted by natural disasters, including those affected by Typhoon Mawar in Guam, of available mortgage assistance and disaster relief options.
Mortgage servicers are also reminded of these options to assist people, especially as storm season begins nationwide.
"The health and safety of those impacted by Typhoon Mawar is paramount," said Cyndi Danko, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Single-Family, Fannie Mae.
"Fannie Mae is committed to ensuring assistance is available to homeowners and renters in need and we encourage Guam residents to seek relief as soon as possible.