| | Preparedness and Resilience Bulletin: Empowering People and Communities | | | Resilience Hubs: Systematic Changes to Build Resilience in Puerto Rico |  By Gabriela Marichal Rodriguez, Mercy Corps Puerto Rico Mercy Corps is a leading international non-profit organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. A team of more than 6,000 humanitarians work with Mercy Corps in over 40 countries to help people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Together with local change-makers, this global organization works to help vulnerable communities meet their most urgent needs, while building long-term, sustainable solutions and forging new paths to prosperity in the face of injustice, instability, and climate change, among other difficulties. Mercy Corps began working in Puerto Rico following the devastating impact of hurricane Maria in 2017. Witnessing the state of fragility Puerto Ricans were left in, Mercy Corps' strategy shifted to one of long-term recovery efforts, thus establishing the Mercy Corps Puerto Rico field office. A team of local professionals were hired and the Mercy Corps Resilience Hubs program was launched. Three years later, Mercy Corps has been working hand-in-hand with numerous local partners and communities in Puerto Rico and has become the go-to agency for many stakeholders (including government agencies and the INGO community), particularly in relation to "Resilience Hubs" which empower communities to support themselves in the aftermaths of a natural disaster. Read more about Mercy Corps' Resilience Hubs. | | | | April - May 2021  Exploring the "What, Why and How" of Sign Language Interpreters in Emergency Management Tuesday, April 6 from 9 AM – 12 PM ET (Spanish) / Thursday, April 8 from 1– 4 PM ET (English) Please join the FEMA Region 2 National Preparedness Division and the Caribbean Area Office of Puerto Rico for a webinar on integrating sign language interpreters in emergency management. This webinar will cover the basics of incorporating sign language into emergency management. Why is it important to provide sign interpreters? Who is the audience? What are the characteristics of a qualified interpreter? When do I provide interpreting services? How do I work with an interpreter? Register for the English delivery or Spanish delivery. |  Exploring Guides for Expanding Mitigation: Municipal Financing Guide Wednesday, April 7 from 12 – 12:30 PM ET Please join the Region 2 Mitigation and National Preparedness Divisions for a webinar on how to expand the reach of mitigation activities by engaging financial professionals in alignment with National Financial Capability Month. This webinar will focus on the Municipal Financing Guide in the "Guides to Expanding Mitigation" series. Partnering with local financial professionals is essential to help communities make hazard mitigation plans a reality. Learn about key funding sources and how to incorporate mitigation projects into longer term community budgets. Register here. |  |
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 FEMA Celebrates 42 Years April 1st marked FEMA's 42-year anniversary. Created in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, FEMA consolidated the federal emergency response functions across government under a single agency. Since then, FEMA has supported more than 4,000 emergency, fire and major disaster declarations. In the past 12 months, the agency has faced unprecedented challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, a record setting Atlantic hurricane season and the current nationwide drive to provide a COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who wants one. Watch this video to see some of the actions FEMA and its partners have taken in the last year to support communities across the nation over the past year.
FEMA Seeks Local Hires for Community Vaccination Centers FEMA has an immediate need to employ temporary local hires to assist with non-medical vaccine support activities at Community Vaccination Centers. Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. Currently, residents of Newark. NJ and upstate New York (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers) are needed. FEMA is seeking candidates with experience in customer service.
FEMA Campus-Based Training Resumes After suspending in-person training at the agency's campuses in March 2020, FEMA will reopen its campuses with reduced student populations on April 5, 2021. Training will resume with reduced student populations at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, and at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland — home to the Emergency Management Institute and the National Fire Academy. Upon reopening, FEMA will test all students and instructors for COVID-19 – including those who have been partially or fully vaccinated against the virus upon their arrival on campus and a second time 72 hours later. All staff members will also be routinely tested. In addition, daily temperature checks of all students, instructors and staff will be conducted and, if warranted, additional COVID-19 testing may be performed. FEMA will also require all students, instructors and staff to use cloth face coverings and practice social distancing while on campus.
FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths In April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. EMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through a dedicated call center. Visit the FEMA website for more information.
FEMA Updates Flood Map Tool FEMA updated the online FIRMette Web tool, which provides simple downloads of a Flood Insurance Rate Map which a user can print. The updated tool will have similar capabilities as before, but with a modernized and more user-friendly interface. See instructions on how to use the new tool and visit the FEMA website to create a FIRMette. The FIRMette web tool helps FEMA provide digital flood maps to millions of users each year through the Map Service Center.
FEMA Updates Core Capabilities Development Sheets FEMA released 48 updated Core Capability Development Sheets, which include revised suggested training for each core capability. The Core Capability Development Sheets provide state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions with suggestions for how to improve their core capabilities and close capability gaps identified through the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), or other capability analysis. First released in June 2017, each Core Capability Development Sheet provides the core capability definition and tasks, relevant trainings, example capability targets, typed resources, critical planning partners, validation techniques, and additional organizations that support the development of the specific core capability. |  Resources from the Internal Revenue Service The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has shared a variety of resources to help people during the pandemic, including information about COVID-19 tax relief and the economic impact payments. Individuals can check the "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov to see the status of these payments. Those who did not receive the full Economic Impact Payments may eligible for the Recover Rebate Credit. Some people – especially those who don't normally file a tax return – may not realize they're eligible for a stimulus payment. They can file a 2020 tax return to get all the stimulus payments they qualify for. The IRS has also shared important reminders about filing your 2020 tax return and information on Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low- to moderate-income workers. IRS has payment options for those struggling to pay taxes, and some people qualify for free tax preparation options.
Learn More about COVID-19 Vaccines from the FDA The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is answering questions about COVID-19 vaccines in their latest Consumer Update. Learn more about: - Who approves COVID-19 vaccines?
- Do COVID-19 vaccines work? (Hint: Yes!)
- How safe are COVID-19 vaccines?
90-Day Extension of Eviction Moratorium The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended the federal eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. Federal agencies including the Treasury Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are coordinating efforts to get tenants and landlords the assistance they need during the public health crisis. |  Stronger "BCEGS" Means You will "Be" Safer and "Be" More Competitive By John A. Miller, P.E., CFM, CSM, FEMA Region 2 Mitigation Liaison The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) program administered by Verisk - Insurance Services Office (ISO) provides an easy-to-identify rating for building code adoption and enforcement. FEMA uses BCEGS in awarding activity points and achieving levels in the Community Rating System and when evaluating mitigation grant applications. A community's BCEGS is an available metric that signifies public health and safety conduct. BCEGS is used by insurance underwriters to calculate the inherent risk of a structure. Building codes that are consistent with a more recent International Building Code (IBC) score better. As the enforcement of the code is essential to realize the standards, Verisk assesses a construction office's practices. Building construction is a predictor to how the structure will perform in a natural disaster. Read full Mitigation Matters. |  Ready or Not 2021 The 2021 Ready or Not report provides an annual assessment of states' level of readiness to respond to public health emergencies. It recommends policy actions to ensure that everyone's health is protected during such events. This 2021 edition tiers states into three performance categories – high, middle and low - and includes action steps states should take to improve their readiness while battling COVID-19 and for the next health emergency.
FEMA Higher Education Newsletter The latest edition of the FEMA Higher Education Program Newsletter includes information regarding upcoming webinars and conferences, emergency management articles and journals, and other items of interest to the emergency management academic community. | | | | The FEMA Region 2 National Preparedness Division seeks to provide a forum for community emergency management groups, in support of local officials, to share information about their activities and best practices. We realize there are many CERT, MRC, VOAD/COAD and other volunteers assisting with COVID-19 response and recovery. If you would like to share your stories and/or photos here, please email deborah.costa@fema.dhs.gov. | | Spotlight: NYC CERT Distributes PPE and Preparedness Materials The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has requested NYC CERT Volunteers in its Mask Force operation. One day every month, volunteers work together to distribute free masks to customers and frontline employees on subways and buses in all five boroughs. In March, CERT members provided masks and preparedness literature throughout the city. Great job, NYC CERT! The Mask Force will be working again on April 22. If you would like to volunteer, sign up on the MTA website or deploy with NYC CERT if you are a CERT member. | | |  |
 Financially Savvy Youth April is National Financial Capability Month! This month, help grow your children's money skills, habits and attitudes. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has compiled their Money As You Grow and Youth Financial Education classroom activities to use with your children or students. Activities are available for children ages 3 to 5, school-age children and teenagers/young adults.
Mental Health Support for New Jersey Youth Kids, teens and young adults are coping with a lot, from uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to the social impact of civil unrest and protests. On top of the general challenges that come with growing up, many young people are feeling heightened senses of anxiety, depression and loneliness. For some, this can lead to extreme behavioral changes – like acting out, substance use or running away from home. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families' Children's System of Care (CSOC) provides children & adolescents with coordinated access to mental health supports, substance use treatment & services for intellectual or developmental disabilities. Call 1-877-652-7624 to be connected to the CSOC. |  |
 Engaging Faith Leaders to Improve Vaccine Confidence The Association of Immunization Managers is hosting an interfaith webinar on building vaccine confidence in faith communities on Wednesday, April 7 at 1 p.m. Through presentations and an interactive question and answer panel with religious leaders from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities, public health practitioners will learn best practices for building partnerships with faith leaders. Register here.
Handling Trauma and Emotional Stress in the Wake of Disaster and Loss FEMA Region 1 is hosting the "Talk Shop: Handling Trauma and Emotional Stress in the Wake of Disaster and Loss" on April 8 at 9-10 AM ET. This is a very important conversation addressing the issue of trauma informed organizing and awareness. Leading the conversation is Rev. Fred Meade and Chris Farrand, who have been offering spiritual and emotional support in response to disasters all over the country for the past decade. Join the Talk Shop on Zoom (Meeting ID: 160 776 4428; Passcode: Talk2021).
NY Citizen Public Health Training Program To continue the fight against COVID-19 and prepare for the next public health emergency, NY State launched a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers. This program will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state. Learn more and sign-up here.
Virtual Mental Health Awareness Training The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addictions Services is hosting virtual mental health awareness trainings throughout April. The Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training discusses the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training will be held on April 7 at 1-3PM and April 19 at 10AM-12PM. The Pandemic Fatigue training discusses the exhaustion people are feeling with the changes to daily life resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. This training will be held on April 9 at 1-3PM.
Preventing and Protecting Against Online Child Sexual Exploitation April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. To commemorate the month, the Department of Homeland Security, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cyber Crimes Center, Child Exploitation Investigation Unit are hosting a webinar to assist faith and community groups and caregivers of youth and teens on how they can help children to be safer online. The webinar will also address support for families when their children have been victimized by online sexual exploitation. The webinar will be held on April 15 at 2-3:30pm ET. Register here.
Community Planning for Disaster Recovery (AWR-356) The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness along with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be sponsoring several deliveries of a two-day virtual training course titled, Community Planning for Disaster Recovery (AWR-356). This is an eight-hour awareness-level course that provides facilitated discussions on key concepts for disaster recovery planning, including the benefits of pre-disaster planning, key elements, and the plan development process. This course will prepare participants to initiate disaster recovery plans and participate in the long-term recovery planning process in their own communities through the review of case studies and existing disaster recovery plans. Trainings will be held on April 19-20, 12-4PM ET (registration code: 92568) and April 28-29, 12-4PM ET (registration code: 08937).
National Hurricane Program to Host Online Training To prepare for the 2021 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Program is offering a three-day online training at 1-4 PM ET on May 4-6. The training will cover hurricane hazards, hurricane forecast products, forecast uncertainty and informed decision-making. Classes are available to anyone who has, or can obtain, a HURREVAC account. HURREVAC is a free, web-based platform available to government emergency managers that provides data and analytics to support decisions during hurricane response. HURREVAC combines real-time National Hurricane Center forecast products and storm surge modeling with evacuation clearance times from hurricane evacuation studies.
Region 2 Training Calendars |  Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a competitive funding opportunity to assist local communities in developing sustainable capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. The FY21 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program seeks to provide funding to implement local prevention frameworks and explore innovative approaches to preventing targeted violence and terrorism. Grant proposals that offer cost-effective programs and projects, and those which provide a detailed needs analysis and propose to collect and report on required performance measures will be given priority. State, local, tribal, territorial governments; non-profits; and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for funds to establish capabilities or fill gaps in their prevention capabilities. The application period will close on May 25, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applicants should consult the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more specific information.
Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes is making $30 million available for grants under its Older Adults Home Modification ("Home Mod") Program. Home Mod funding will help grantees provide adaptive home adjustments through maintenance and repair projects on the primary residence of eligible, low-income senior homeowners who are at least 62 years old. At least half of the funds will be awarded to grantees that serve communities with substantial rural populations. The deadline is May 4, 2021. Join an upcoming webinar about the program on April 14, 2021 at 1 PM ET.
Abstract Submissions for 2021 Preparedness Conference The 2021 National Healthcare Coalition Preparedness Conference (NHCPC) is scheduled for November 30 to December 2. NHCPC is now accepting abstract submissions that align to the conference theme, "Evolving the Challenges of Today into the Solutions for Tomorrow." NHCPC is looking for presentations that will equip coalition leaders to integrate new techniques, develop best practices, and increase overall effectiveness. Abstract submissions are due April 16, 2021. Additional information can be found on the conference website. |  |
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