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In today’s world, infrastructure is the foundation to much of our daily life, providing essential services and support to communities. Among these structures are dams, which play a critical role in offering water supplies, flood control and sometimes even hydroelectric power. The safety of these dams is crucial, as any failure can lead to catastrophic consequences.
FEMA-Funded Residential Property Voluntary Flood Buyouts give communities and individuals a way to increase their resilience. The mission of the program aligns with FEMA’s Year of Resilience, with a focus on building local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist Courtney McKinnon visits rural Alaska to learn more about how the Native Village of Kwigillingok is using FEMA resources like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) to become more resilient.
Living near the coast has its perks, from picture-perfect views to being able to swim in the ocean. However, these advantages come with coastal hazards. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable when it comes to disasters such as hurricanes, storm surges, flooding and erosion. When you prepare for these hazards, you can significantly reduce the risk to life, property and the environment.
After a disaster, FEMA works not only to help as many people as possible, but to provide help that is tailored to meet the unique needs of all survivors. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a guiding force for equality and accommodation for these efforts. One major way the ADA has shaped the agency is through recent changes to FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
FEMA has many career opportunities for those interested and passionate about starting and furthering a career in emergency management. The agency needs employees stationed all across the nation, from FEMA headquarters in D.C., to FEMA’s 10 regional offices nationwide, to individual communities with declared disasters or other needs.
Throughout the summer, many people fly to new or familiar destinations to sightsee, explore, visit friends or family and enjoy the sunshine. It is important to be #SummerReady by preparing for hazards you may encounter during travels. You can do this by being aware of extreme heat risks, TSA guidelines, flight selections, travel insurance, travel delays and official weather forecasts.
July fourth is a time for fireworks, fun and food. As you enjoy gathering with friends and family, it’s important to stay mindful of potential hazards. Here are some ways you can stay safe during your July 4 celebrations.
A wildfire survivor worked with FEMA to recover.
Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Some workers are disproportionately impacted by this type of weather, including farmworkers and farmers, fishers, firefighters and construction workers. Since 2011, more than 400 workers have died due to environmental heat exposure, and thousands more are hospitalized every year. As heat waves become more intense and frequent, outdoor workers should adjust their activities based on weather forecasts to minimize risks.
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