Workforce
Biden administration soliciting volunteers throughout government to deploy for disaster response
FEMA has said the assignments from other agencies could help ensure an adequate recovery effort.
Management
Feds pre-deploy to Florida in anticipation of major hurricane
FEMA looks to manage workforce shortages as it responds to multiple crises at once.
Management
Biden looks to ramp up federal involvement in extreme heat response
Amid record heat waves and calls for more federal action, FEMA will host an extreme heat summit next week.
Management
A small transportation safety agency is struggling to keep pace with growing responsibilities
Faced with “extremely limited resources" and the same staffing level it had 20 years ago, the NTSB is trying to do more with less.
Management
Hundreds of federal employees deploy to Hawaii to assist in wildfire response
Agencies with offices and personnel on the island are also scrambling to accommodate staff and provide continuity of services.
Management
Biden requests $40B to boost funding at select agencies
Border security, federal firefighter pay and Ukraine aid are part of the emergency request.
Management
Biden grapples with the federal government’s role in a future fraught with extreme heat
Heat is a leading killer, but FEMA has not deployed for it as it has for floods and fires.
Management
FEMA has so far paid out less than 1% of what Congress allocated for victims of New Mexico wildfire
The emergency management agency has paid just $3 million in claims out of $3.96 billion Congress allocated, and the bulk of the payments went to the city of Las Vegas, N.M., rather than individual fire victims.
Management
FEMA disaster relief fund faces August shortfall as feds scramble to find cash
The fund is projected to go into the red in mid- to late- August.
Oversight
Deer Park chemical fire in 2019 could have been prevented, federal investigation finds
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found that the ITC tank farm lacked crucial equipment to warn workers about the failure that led to the three-day fire.
Workforce
FEMA Is Losing Employees at an Alarming Rate
Burnout is leading to attrition as disasters spike, but watchdog also blames agency for poor workforce management.
Tech
VA Paid for But Didn't Deploy an Emergency Communications System
Despite spending over $8.5 million on a new emergency communication system contract, a new report has revealed that the Veterans Health Administration failed to establish the network by a deadline that passed more than three years ago.
Management
FEMA Wants to Confront Growing Challenges With More Personnel
The Biden administration is expecting unique challenges this disaster season, and FEMA wants to do more with more.
Management
How Federal Agencies Are Responding to the Toxic Train Derailment in Ohio
Federal employees have deployed for investigative and cleanup efforts.
Management
Puerto Rico Storm Victims Report Waits of Over 5 Hours on Calls to FEMA
Long hold times contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency are just one challenge emerging as the nation responds to Hurricane Fiona, which swamped the commonwealth last month, along with Hurricane Ian’s devastating hit to Florida.
Management
Agencies Across Government Are Sending Help as Hurricane Ian Slams Florida
FEMA says it has sufficient resources to handle the potentially catastrophic storm even as it tackles several crises simultaneously.
Management
Federal Agencies Are Sending Hundreds of Employees to Puerto Rico to Help With Hurricane Response
FEMA already had a significant presence on the island due to ongoing recovery efforts.
Workforce
Deployed FEMA Responders Will Receive New Job Protections Now That Congress Has Passed Much Hailed Reform
Officials say the change will help retain key personnel and avoid staffing crises.
Management
A Bipartisan Bill Aims to Create One Disaster Recovery Assistance Application
Simplifying the application process would remove the burden on disaster survivors seeking federal assistance in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and more, lawmakers say.
Workforce
FEMA Chief Says Her Top Priority Is to Ensure the Agency has Adequate Staffing for Upcoming Emergencies
Employees and managers alike continue to warn lawmakers about the impact that growing demands will have on the agency's ability to respond to disasters.
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