What every DAE needs to know...

The Stafford Act has authorized the“...appointment of temporary personnel, experts and consultants…” to get the work done during a disaster. These hires are known as Stafford Act Employees (SAEs), Disaster Assistance  Employees (DAEs) or reservists.Due to constantly changing circumstances, the actual duties you are asked to perform on assignment may be different from the one you were given by ADD. Assignments may end at any time, based on staffing needs at the Joint Field Office (JFO) and other FEMA offices. DAE appointments are good for one year. Appointments are renewed based on availability, time worked and performance evaluations.

AUTOMATED DEPLOYMENT DATABASE (ADD)
As a FEMA disaster reservist, you are required to call the Automated Deployment Database (ADD) system monthly at the toll-free number, 1-800-486-6325 (or 202-646-4548 in the Washington DC area), to let FEMA know whether or not you are available for deployment. You can call and change your status as often as necessary, but you must call at least every 30 days. If you don’t, your status in the database will automatically be changed to “Not Available,” and you won’t be called for disaster assignments. If you are listed as “Available” in the database, but are not able to deploy to a disaster, it will be considered a “refusal,” and will be noted in your record. If you refuse to deploy, you must provide an acceptable reason for inaccurately recording your availability. Failure to do so could result in termination. When you record your status for deployment as “Available,” you are making yourself available for not less than two weeks, and to any location where FEMA conducts disaster operations. You must also be available to travel within 24 hours. Payroll Help Desk: 866-896-8033

TRAVEL
Upon receiving deployment information from ADD, you should contact National Travel at 1-800-294-8283 to arrange a one-way airline reservation to your destination as quickly as possible. They will also book your hotel and, if authorized, a rental car. All these expenses need to be billed to your FEMA credit card to ensure you receive the government rate and travel insurance. Make sure to obtain receipts for all expenses as they are paid. Your airfare receipt will be emailed to you when your flight reservation is confirmed by National Travel. This will also include their travel agent fee. File your travel voucher for expenses every two weeks, at least. Make sure you provide receipts for items that are paid directly to the credit card company by FEMA, (such as air, hotel and car), as well as those that you are responsible for paying (including such things as food and local transportation) National Travel: www.nationaltravel.com/

AVAILABILITY
You must be listed as “Available” in ADD at least   60 days of a calendar year to remain on the active roll as a DAE. If your availability and/or time worked is less than 60 days, your appointment may not be renewed. DAE appointments are good for one year. Renewals of appointments are based on availability, time worked and evaluation of performance. Credit Card Help Line: 1-800-790-7206


PER DIEM
When you are  deployed more than 50 miles from your home, you are paid Per Diem to cover your living expenses, which includes food and other personal expenses. The amount of Per Diem varies from city to city. Per Diem  status begins when you leave home and continues until the end of your official deployment. Should you extend your stay at a location after your assignment is completed, you will be responsible for all personal expenses incurred 24 hours past check-out  (including food, lodging, and local transportation). Current Per Diem rates: http://www.gsa.gov