RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

WASHINGTON — Today, FEMA is making $40 million available to states and Tribal Nations under the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program (NGWSGP). This grant will identify capability gaps and implement solutions for alerts and warnings to deliver timely public emergency information to the public and to protect critical infrastructure.  

As technology, cybersecurity threats and public preferences for consuming content continue to change, grant recipients will work with FEMA to explore available, flexible, innovative and forward-looking capabilities to disseminate IPAWS-compatible emergency alerts and warnings.  

The grant will explore and embrace currently available and emerging technology with audio and visual capabilities across all platforms to enable interactive and actionable emergency communications to the public. These technologies include existing and new distribution pathways, including streaming services, sirens, giant-voice systems, satellites, internet-connected devices and other solutions. 

This grant program focuses on enhancing alert and warning capabilities and improving the resiliency of IPAWS-compatible emergency alert and warning systems through effective services, solutions and technology to improve the timely delivery of public safety information. Grantees will coordinate and execute collaborative whole-community public warning field training, testing, exercises and evaluation to support the development of alert and warning governance, policies, plans and procedures while improving cross-jurisdictional coordination before, during and after incidents. 

This announcement comes after a critical evaluation of all grant programs and recipients to root out waste, fraud and abuse and deliver accountability for the American taxpayer.  

States and

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RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— After a natural disaster, it is important to protect your identity against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses, and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.    

Keep these things in mind to protect your identity and stay informed:   

Federal and local disaster workers do not ask for or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers help and then asks for money.   FEMA will only call or e-mail you if you have contacted FEMA first or registered for assistance. If you receive suspicious e-mails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or e-mail is legitimate.   Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.    Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you are speaking with a verified FEMA representative.    Be on alert if someone asks for your 9-digit FEMA registration ID, which you will receive when you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.    Stay tuned to trusted local media for updates from local officials on disaster fraud and scams.   After you apply for FEMA assistance, a

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