Important Dates & Reminders Deadline to apply for Homeland Security National Training Program/Continuing Training Grants Deadline to apply to Master Public Information  Officer Program

FEMA Seeks Feedback on Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Doctrine

On July 1, FEMA began an open review of the 2013 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) doctrine to incorporate the lessons learned and best practices from the past six years of HSEEP’s use among the whole community’s exercise practitioners.  Through HSEEP, exercise program managers can develop, execute, and evaluate exercises that address the priorities established by an organization’s leaders which guide the overall direction of a progressive exercise program. 

A critical element of the HSEEP review process will be direct engagement with our state, local, tribal, territorial, federal government partners and other key stakeholders.  Soliciting feedback and input will ensure this review and update to HSEEP doctrine, corresponding documents, and the HSEEP training course best meets the needs of the whole community. 

• July 1 – August 15:  Initial outreach and engagement with whole community
• October 1 – 21:  Secondary outreach and engagement based on initial inputs.

FEMA will conduct a series of one-hour webinars that are open to all stakeholders and anyone interested in providing feedback and listening to subject matter experts discuss HSEEP. Webinars are currently scheduled to take place:

Webinar 1 - 4:00 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 8

Webinar 2 – 1:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 10

Webinar 3 - 9:00 a.m. EDT Friday, July 12

Webinar 4 - 4:00 p.m. EDT Monday, July 22

Webinar 5 – 1:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 24

Webinar 6 – 9:00 a.m. EDT Friday, July 26

How to connect:

•  FEMA Adobe Connect

•  Dial-in: 1-800-320-4330, Pin: 504024#

FEMA Releases NIMS, NQS Documents

Today, FEMA released 13 National Incident Management System (NIMS) job title/position qualification and resource typing definition documents, and supporting tools for two National Qualifications Systems (NQS) job titles/qualifications. The documents define minimum qualifications and capabilities for personnel in these positions.

NIMS position documents include:

•  Fire Management and Suppression

•  Logistics and Supply Chain Management

•  Mass Care Services

•  Public Information and Warning

NQS position documents include:

•  Environmental and Historic Preservation

•  Incident/Exercise Evaluator

NIMS is a key component of U.S. incident management efforts and enables organizations from across the country to work together during incidents of all kinds and sizes. Implementing NIMS across the nation is a fundamental part of building our national preparedness. NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications and Resource Typing Definitions define minimum qualifications and capabilities for personnel and their equipment within their assigned teams to manage all threats and hazards, regardless of the incident’s cause or size.

To view the NIMS Resource Typing documents visit the Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT).  To view the NQS Supporting Tools, visit the FEMA website.

Master Public Information Officer Program Applications Deadline Extended to July 31

FEMA Emergency Management Institute's (EMI) Master Public Information Officer Program (MPIOP) is a three-course series designed to prepare public information officers for an expanded role in delivering public information and warning using a strategic whole community approach.

The course is open to full time public information officers with a minimum of five years of experience and who have a demonstrated ability to advance external affairs. For more information visit the FEMA website, or send an email to FEMA-Master_PIO_Program@fema.dhs.gov. The application deadline has been extended to July 31. For instructions how to apply for the program, go to the Training Bulletin.

Practice Firework Safety July 4

During celebrations this Thursday, use caution with fireworks by following these safety tips:

1. Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.
2. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
3. If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
4. If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away.
5. Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.
   
   

For more information on firework safety, visit the FEMA website.