Emergency Response

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.

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.

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.

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.

DOE Shares the Playbook for Energy Emergencies

The Energy Emergency Response Playbook for States and Territories is designed to help state officials respond to threats to the energy infrastructure from cyberattacks, man-made damage and weather-related incidents like drought, flooding, storms, extreme heat or earthquakes.

Biden Says Agencies Will Be Ready for Hurricane Season. But a Watchdog Is Warning of Shortfalls

Federal responders will have what they need, president says. GAO says the government should do more to help local communities prepare.

GovExec Daily: How Congress is Trying – and Not Trying – to Prepare for the Next Pandemic

As funding is absent in the omnibus, Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss new plans for federal preparedness.

The Government's Top Watchdog Has Added Pandemic Response to Its High-Risk List

Longstanding issues have exacerbated shortcomings during the COVID-19 pandemic, GAO says.

FEMA Experiences ‘Mass Exit’ of Employees Amid Surge in Disasters

The agency is still dealing with 1,000 disasters as its workload continues to climb.

More Than 2,000 Feds Deployed As Biden Administration Looks to Fight Omicron Surge

Meanwhile, some agencies start returning to maximum telework after previously bringing employees back.

Biden to Launch Federal COVID-19 Testing Centers, New Federally Run Vaccination Sites

White House again ups federal agency deployments to confront COVID-19 pandemic and the Omicron variant.

Biden Announces Tripling of Federal Deployments to Fight COVID-19 Surge

Agencies will send teams around the country ahead of winter and Omicron variant waves.

House Panel’s Annual Defense Policy Bill Includes Leave Flexibility for Pentagon Contractors

Trade association urges lawmakers to expand the language to include all federal contractors for the next emergency.