Tag: FEMA

Back to Basics: PSAP and EOC Facilities

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. With April being Emergency Communications Month, let’s spotlight facilities that are vital in responding to emergencies. Public safety answering points (PSAPs) and emergency operations centers (EOCs) are critical facilities that provide essential services to the community […]

7 Ways to Safeguard Facilities Against Tornadoes

2023 has already been a very active year for tornadoes, and facilities professionals should know how they can protect their facilities and their occupants from being victims. Tornadoes are the most destructive atmospheric phenomenon, and most tornadoes hit the United States in May and June, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A tornado […]

Biden Marks 20th Anniversary of Homeland Security Department: ‘Because of You, America Is Safer’

On March 1, President Joe Biden and other officials marked the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and honored its workforce. Following the September 11 attacks, former President George W. Bush established DHS by signing the Homeland Security Act of 2002. On March 1, 2003, 22 agencies unified under a single […]

Super Bowl Security: What Officials Are Doing to Protect the Big Game

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in close coordination with state and local officials, is leading federal efforts to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans during Super Bowl LVII. Earlier this week, DHS Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas visited Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, to inspect security operations and meet with law […]

Officials Urge Communities to ‘Remain Vigilant’ as U.S. Enters Peak Hurricane Season

Despite a slow start to the hurricane season, “the next Ida or Sandy could still be lying in wait,” warned FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions still favor an above-normal 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, according to NOAA’s annual mid-season update recently issued by the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. […]

Back to Basics: Preparing Your Facility for Hurricanes

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. This year’s hurricane season began on June 1, so it’s time for facilities management professionals to prepare. This is important because above-average Atlantic hurricane activity is predicted for 2022 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration […]

Healthcare Facilities Can Prepare for Disaster and Recover Quicker with FEMA Assistance

Last year, the United States saw 20 weather- and climate-related disasters with losses that exceeded $1 billion—each. These events included flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and more. Tragically, they left 688 people dead and created significant economic challenges in the areas the storms hit. These disasters were in addition to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, which continues […]

The Way to the Egress: A Guide to Workplace Evacuations, Part 2

In Part 1 of this two-part series on workplace evacuations, we shared the importance of building an effective Emergency Action Plan and establishing a safety strategy to address various emergency scenarios. Continuing coverage into Part 2 of this evacuation primer, we now provide a closer look at the safety requirements for establishing exit routes and introduce best […]

Supercell thunderstorm and potential tornado conditions

How to Prepare Your Workplace for Disasters

With hurricane season here to stay until the end of November, it’s important to think about how prepared (or unprepared) your workplace is for a disaster. Tornadoes. Fires. Floods. They’re all happening much more frequently than they did decades ago, and they’re dangerous and expensive.

Oft-Ignored Emergency Preparedness Practices

Severe winter weather, power outages, or other workplace emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time. How well prepared are you? A top official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says certain elements of preparedness tend to be forgotten. Which ones? Find out here.