Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Management Office (PMO) was honored with the “Greatest Citizen Impact Award” for its IPAWS system by the American Council for Technology’s (ACT’s) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) at their Igniting Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C.

February 2014 — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a new Independent Study Course: IS-368: Including People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs in Disaster Operations.  The course “provides an overview of disabilities and access and functional needs” and further explains how disaster staff and emergency management can ensure that all practices are inclusive and accessible.  Following the course, disaster staff and emergency management should be aware of the legislative and regulatory framework ensuring the rights of people with disabilities in

February 2014 — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now seeking applicants to serve on the National Advisory Council (NAC).  The NAC, composed of 35 subject matter experts in the field of emergency management, provides direct council to the FEMA Administrator to ensure “effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation” for natural and technological disasters. The three-year positions are currently available for individuals in the following disciplines:

August 2013 — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) announced that the two organizations will partner to ensure that older Americans have better access to service and resources for emergency preparedness, response and recovery. The new effort will include expanded “social media outreach, and training and exercise, and evaluation opportunities.” Although, AARP has historically implemented emergency preparedness and response programs, the organization hopes the partnership will expand their role in the community.

04.19.12 – The FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration “In the Matter of Amendment of the Review of the Emergency Alert System” [EB Docket No. 04-296] reconsidering the Commission’s rules on the use of text-to-speech (TTS) by Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants.