This week, Administrator Long met with Acting Director of the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Brian Baker. Administrator Long and Mr. Baker spoke about their shared priorities, the history of successful collaboration between the two agencies, and the importance of individual and community preparedness.
Administrator Long met with FEMA employees on improving processes and procedures throughout FEMA and focusing on the workforce. He also held a discovery change session with employees on simplifying recovery and reducing disaster costs.
Today, Administrator Long visited Senator Hoeven in Minot, North Dakota, to discuss the city's comprehensive flood protection efforts, affordable flood insurance and review the city's ongoing projects.
Around the Nation ...
The U.S. Department of Defense reported on FEMA and U.S. Army North’s Task Force 51 participation in the Vigilant Guard exercise at the Ornate Military Complex in the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The exercise, which simulated a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, was designed to help “local, state, and federal agencies coordinate emergency relief efforts and response-and-recovery management.” U.S. Army Colonel and Deputy Coordinating Officer for FEMA’s Region VI office Barry Graham commented, "I think it has been a great exercise and everyone has gotten something out of this training. New Mexico is very prepared because of this exercise."
In New York, The Daily News reported on the attendance by two members of the Genesee County Emergency Support Unit at a Crude by Rail Emergency Response training program. The FEMA funded training focused on teaching first responders how to plan and respond to incidents on crude oil hauled by railroads.
In Indiana, the Northwest Indiana Times highlighted FEMA awarding $680,000 to help several Porter County volunteer fire departments buy dual-frequency radios for Porter County’s emergency radio system. Hebron Fire Department Chief Franzman praised the FEMA grant, saying the purchase would have been impossible without the help of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
In Michigan, Detroit News reported FEMA awarded the Sterling Heights Fire Department over $2.6 million through the agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. The federal funding is reported to help pay for the hiring of 15 firefighters and paramedics. Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor praised the award as an “incredible grant,” stating the new firefighters and paramedics will strengthen the fire department’s current team of first responders.
In Minnesota, WDIO reported FEMA provided funding for a mitigation project to prepare a local park to handle winter run-off and summer downpours in the future. Construction crews began working to clear out brush along a section of Miller Creek in Lincoln Park. According to project manager Mike LeBeau, the goal is to widen the creek in some areas while re-stabilizing the existing wall and shoreline.
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