FEMA HQ less than 10 Blocks from Capitol Hill. BUSINESS AS USUAL. January 7, 2021 Individual and Community Preparedness Newsletter

 

 

In This Issue: Ready Tips Leadership Spotlight CERT & Communities Children & Disasters Financial Resilience Important Dates

 

Ready Tips

 

Resolve to Be Ready Happy New Year, preparedness community! With the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to make resolutions that will help you prepare for any curveballs 2021 throws your way. As 2020 showed us, disasters come in all forms, from pandemics to hurricanes to floods, earthquakes, wildfires, winter storms, and more. Resolve now to be ready for emergencies and take action with the right steps. Here are a few tips to get started: Review your emergency kit. Check for expired food, water, or batteries in your emergency kit and replace if necessary. Look over this checklist of emergency supplies and add what you may be missing. Don’t hesitate to add other supplies based on your individual needs. Assess your finances to maximize your resiliency. Consider making a budget and checking your credit score. Get involved with your community. Participate in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 18 by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or taking a FEMA online course such as You Are the Help Until Help Arrives. This year, communities are shifting to virtual volunteer opportunities online. To find one near you, check out this helpful website to look for volunteer opportunities in your community or learn more about ways to volunteer at ready.gov/volunteer. Starting with these simple steps can set you up for success this year and far into the future!

 

Leadership Spotlight

 

New ICPD Director Focuses on Ensuring Emergency Readiness Aaron Levy is no newcomer to emergency preparedness. He was named Director of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division (ICPD) in December 2020 after a decade of service with the Agency. Aaron had served as Acting Director since September 2019.  He has also worked as ICPD’s Deputy Director and in other positions across FEMA. "Initially, what drew me to [FEMA] was an opportunity to be part of a team that was rethinking emergency management in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was an exciting time. I quickly realized that the Agency’s mission, ‘helping people before, during and after disasters,’ gave me a sense of purpose that I was lacking in my professional life.” Aaron says he is particularly drawn to ICPD because “it is the only team in FEMA focused on preparing individuals and community organizations, rather than FEMA’s traditional state, local, tribal and territorial partners, for disasters. It’s a dream job for someone who loves their country, believes in FEMA’s mission, and appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the most talented, focused, and dedicated staff in the entire U.S. Government.” Aaron counts the creation of a research program that focuses on human behavior as one of ICPD’s most important recent achievements. An increased focus on research helps ICPD understand what programs and tools help prepare people. The annual National Household Survey shows the public continues to be better prepared for disasters, he notes. Aaron attributes some of these improvements to FEMA laying the groundwork for emergency readiness. He sees other factors as well. “I think the increase in the number and type of disasters has made preparedness a ‘kitchen table’ issue for many … families,” he says. “Second, organizations ranging from Silicon Valley startups to small, local [nonprofits] are focused on developing cutting-edge resources to help people be better prepared.” ICPD focused on a new reason to prepare in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country, ICPD stepped up to assist. Several staff members deployed to FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center to support the Agency’s response. Remaining staff members “led a Herculean effort to revamp our protective action guidance for pandemic preparedness,” Aaron says. Aaron notes that staff also worked to ensure FEMA’s new Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN) training addresses pandemic hazards. The training focuses on 10 key actions that nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and small businesses can take to be prepared to operate during disasters. Promoting OPEN is just one of several goals Aaron has for 2021. The release of an updated Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) curriculum is another. STEP, which is aimed at students in grades four and up, teaches youth about preparing for disasters and emergencies. The curriculum engages them in activities like making emergency kits and family communication plans. STEP is part of a broader youth program that is “a priority because building a culture of preparedness starts with our Nation’s youth,” Aaron says. Aaron places a high value on activities that engage kids throughout FEMA’s 10 regions. “The Youth Preparedness Council and tools such as the Prepare with Pedro coloring book and Ready 2 Help card game are the gold standard in terms of youth preparedness,” he notes. The work to refocus on financial resilience, which teaches and informs individuals how to save money to prepare for disasters, will also continue in 2021. “Encouraging [people] to set aside money for a disaster is a noble objective that our team has been working toward over the last two years. However, many Americans are struggling to put food on the table during this difficult time.” Aaron has asked ICPD “to work with our partners to figure out how we can encourage [folks] to take steps, such as buying insurance and ensuring that their financial information is organized before a disaster hits.” He also wants the Division to engage with FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery so that FEMA can better educate people about the limitations of [the Agency’s] assistance programs. Aaron asks people to email ICPD at FEMA-Prepare@fema.dhs.gov if they have suggestions or ideas that can help the Agency achieve these goals. Like everyone, ICPD’s Director is looking forward to a healthier 2021 and a resumption of in-person activities. “In 2020, we did our best to leverage Zoom and other online platforms to stay in touch with and build connections with new stakeholders” he says. Once a majority of Americans receive the COVID vaccine, I hope to get back on the road again and meet in person with our partners across the country!

 

CERT & Communities

 

Collaborating to Respond to Health Needs As the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge across the country, two volunteer groups are teaming up to help. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), sponsored by FEMA, and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), organized by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, are working together to tackle a range of health needs. Some partnerships are new and formed during the pandemic, while others have existed for years. The CERT Program educates volunteers about preparing for hazards that may affect their area. It also trains members in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, search and rescue, and helping with medical needs. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities, and build community resiliency. Read more... CBOs: Determine Essential Activities Now to Ensure Smoother Sailing During a Disaster Have you ever thought about how your organization would stay operational during a disaster or unplanned incident? Whether your community-based organization is a nonprofit, small business, or faith-based organization, a key part of preparedness planning is determining the activities you need to do to stay open. Taking the time to map out your basic functions now will be helpful when rushing to maintain services during an emergency. Determining essential activities is the fourth of 10 actions that organizations can take to help ensure they are able to run as smoothly as possible during a disaster. These actions are outlined in FEMA’s new Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN) training. Read more...

 

Children & Disasters

 

YPC Alum Mathew Mayfield Puts Preparedness to Work Matthew Mayfield may have finished his work with FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) in 2015, but his zeal for emergency readiness and response continues. Since participating in the YPC, he has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He has also obtained his emergency medical technician (EMT) license. “The YPC definitely set me on a good track and has actually opened a few doors for me. It gave me another passion—for not only the first response side of emergency services but the preparedness portion. Teaching is now one of my favorite things,” he says. “It also gave me a better grasp on how to look at the bigger picture and be two steps ahead of any possible issue when problem solving.” While in the YPC, Mayfield was part of a group of 15 teens from across the country working on national and local projects. Read more...

 

Apply for the Youth Preparedness Council Starting on January 18 Do you know a teen who has a passion for preparedness? FEMA will soon begin accepting applications for its 2021 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) from youth in grades 8-11. Since 2012, FEMA has brought youth from across the Nation together. Each year, teens apply to the YPC for an opportunity to join FEMA in encouraging emergency preparedness. Teens serve on the YPC for two years. As part of the YPC, members can build leadership skills and represent their schools and communities. They also share their perspectives, feedback, and opinions with FEMA. The YPC gives youth the chance to meet peers from across the country and work on projects, such as preparedness fairs for their communities. A virtual summit in July gives members a chance to meet each other and hear from FEMA experts. Read more...  YPC Member Featured on School System Website Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) member Devangana Rana’s work on the council and in her community recently caught the attention of her Illinois school district. She was featured in an article and video which was posted on the website of her school district. Rana, who was born in India, discusses how she uses FEMA materials to inform international students about disasters that they may face in the Midwest that they may not have experienced in their home countries. She also talks about being named a winner of the National Call for Kindness Contest. With this award, she received a $1,000 grant to help host events that celebrate different cultures and assist international students and their families new to the United States.

 

Financial Resilience

 

A New Year for Financial Resilience  Out with the old and in with new habits! On this new year, make a plan to put your finances on the right footing. We’ve listed some actions you can take for the first few months of the year to help you get started. January: Fill out the EFFAK FEMA’s Emergency First Aid Kit (EFFAK) offers guidance on organizing and securing important documents. It also provides advice on managing finances, offers insights on credit scores, and describes what to expect should a disaster strike your community. All of this can help you prepare for both big incidents and minor emergencies. Fillable forms and checklists allow you to organize your documents and contacts in PDF form. The EFFAK is available in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, and large print versions. Read more...

 

Important Dates

 

January 13: Webinar  – Get Involved: Join CERT Today (12 p.m. ET) January 18: YPC Application opens January 27: Webinar – The Philadelphia Resilience Playbook: A Case Study (12 p.m. ET) February 3: Webinar – 10 Ready-Made Tips You Can Use to Prepare for Disasters (12 p.m. ET) Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events, entities, organizations, services, or products. Please let us know about other events and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included in future newsletters by contacting  FEMA-prepare@fema.dhs.gov.

Apply for the Pan African Organizing Online Class Scholarship. January 8, 2021

 

Apply for the Pan African Organizing Online Class Scholarship We have just concluded the second cohort of our BRAND NEW revolutionary class: Pan African Organizing Online. We'll soon begin a new cohort, a 5-6 week long course instructed by Dr. Tyrene Wright. Scholarships to join the course are available for I ❤️ Black People Ambassadors and Members       This Special Class is exclusive for Members and Ambassadors of I❤️BLACKPEOPLE   To be considered for the class, you are required to: 1. Apply for the scholarship 2. Confirm your attendance for our Saturday Zoom Call 3. Join our Saturday Zoom call   Apply Now Pan Africanism is a social and political philosophy and movement that has had a lasting impact on the liberation of African people globally. Register to join our Pan African Organizing Online Class to learn from experienced activists on how you can leverage today's technology to mobilize and organize communities online. i am because WE are ✊🏿 iloveblackpeople.com -------------------------------------------- Dr. Tyrene Wright https://www.amazon.com/Books-Dr-Tyrene-Wright/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADr.+Tyrene+Wright   https://www.blogtalkradio.com/thegistoffreedom/2015/06/01/booker-t-washington-africa-the-making-of-a-pan-africanist-author-drwright-1

Apply for the Youth Preparedness Council Starting on January 18

 

Do you know a teen who has a passion for preparedness?  FEMA will soon begin accepting applications for its 2021 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) from youth in grades 8-11.  Since 2012, FEMA has brought youth from across the Nation together. Each year, teens apply to the YPC for an opportunity to join FEMA in encouraging emergency preparedness. Teens serve on the YPC for two years. As part of the YPC, members can build leadership skills and represent their schools and communities.  They also share their perspectives, feedback, and opinions with FEMA. The YPC gives youth the chance to meet peers from across the country and work on projects, such as preparedness fairs for their communities. January 18: YPC Application opens A virtual summit in July gives members a chance to meet each other and hear from FEMA experts. Read more...

Systems Failure: Capital Protection. 2013, 2020, to 2021

All are to blame.

From the Federal Level (DoD, Department of Justice) to local Fusion Centers, and Emergency Management Agencies.

How many law enforcement agencies are within the District of Columbia?  27 or more.

There are roughly 27 law enforcement agencies with overlapping jurisdiction in Washington, D.C. To the casual observer, opportunities for confusion and miscommunication, especially during events like the Navy Yard shooting, probably seem infinite.
 
 
https://dccouncil.us/dc-council-statement-on-the-department-of-defenses-denial-of-dcs-national-guard-deployment-request/ 

DC Council Statement on the Department of Defense’s Denial of DC’s National Guard Deployment Request JANUARY 06, 2021

 
https://www.dhs.gov/fusion-centers

Fusion Centers Fusion Centers are state-owned and operated centers that serve as focal points in states and major urban areas for the receipt, analysis, gathering and sharing of threat-related information between State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT), federal and private sector partners.   The National Network of Fusion Centers (National Network) brings critical context and value to Homeland Security and Law Enforcement that no other federal or local organization can replicate. Fusion Centers accomplish this through sharing information, providing partners with a unique perspective on threats to their state or locality and being the primary conduit between frontline personnel, state and local leadership and the rest of the Homeland Security Enterprise.   The National Network of Fusion Centers is the hub of much of the two-way intelligence and information flow between the federal government and our State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) and private sector partners. The fusion centers represent a shared commitment between the federal government and the state and local governments who own and operate them. Individually, each is a vital resource for integrating information from national and local sources to prevent and respond to all threats and hazards. The enhanced collaboration between the federal government, SLTT and private sector partners represents the new standard through which we view homeland security. Last Published Date: September 19, 2019

 
 
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-25/how-a-city-with-two-dozen-law-enforcement-agencies-handles-a-huge-crisis#:~:text=There%20are%20roughly%2027%20law,Yard%20shooting%2C%20probably%20seem%20infinite

How a City With Two Dozen Law Enforcement Agencies Handles a Huge Crisis The Navy Yard attack was an example of D.C.'s complex jurisdictional landscape. By   Mike Riggs    September 25, 2013, 11:55 AM EDT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1860. Is history repeating itself when President Lincoln was elected

Shall the GOP majority 'secede' from the Union?

Tuesday and Wednesday, January 5-6, 2021 will show, will change come, or business as usual since Reconstruction ended.