FEMA

Beware of scammers after disasters like #Isaias. Fraudsters may send fake social media messages, make false claims or pose as federal, state or local officials to exploit you at a vulnerable time. Here’s what to watch for: - Unexpected calls, texts or social media messages asking for personal information or payment. - Anyone claiming to represent FEMA who cannot show official ID. - Posts promising FEMA assistance, compensation or special access that you cannot verify through official government sources. You can play an important role in protecting yourself and others from fraud and scams. Verify before you trust, and report suspicious activity: - DHS Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov/hotline - FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov

Recovery from Hurricane Isaias is being led by state and local officials and responders, with support from nonprofit and voluntary organizations across the country. In Santa Rosa County, Team Rubicon crews cleared large fallen trees so utility crews from Oklahoma could safely reach damaged lines, replace power poles and restore service. This is recovery in action: states helping other states and partners working side by side to help communities move forward.

TOMORROW: FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) are hosting an operational call on Wednesday, October 14th, focused on Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts. Join the VAL Partner Connect call to get the most recent information and resources from faith-based and non-governmental partners supporting recovery efforts across affected states. The virtual meeting will focus on critical updates about community fundamental services such as safety and security, food, hydration and shelter, health and medical, energy, communications, hazardous materials, and water systems. • Date: Wednesday, October 14th, at 3:30pm ET • Join via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/ePssAuSX • Meeting ID: 165 965 4932 • Passcode: FEMA

Responding to Hurricane Isaias is a community-wide effort, and our voluntary, faith-based, and nonprofit partners are an important part of that work. From delivering critical supplies to providing essential services, these partners play a vital role in our collective mission. Together, we are addressing ongoing needs and supporting survivors every step of the way.

🚨FRAUD UPDATE: A Massachusetts man recently pleaded guilty in an ongoing case involving altered FEMA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security & Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seals being used to scam people out of money. He now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and is undergoing deportation proceedings. In fiscal year 2025, FEMA investigated more than 2,000 fraud cases and referred suspected fraud for investigation and possible prosecution. We continue to strengthen fraud controls to prevent people from taking advantage of disaster survivors or posing as federal employees. Fraudsters who use the federal government’s name or seals to make money will face consequences. FEMA is working with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, and law enforcement partners to expose fraud, protect survivors, and hold criminals accountable. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eiA5W3tc

Last month, a North Carolina woman was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to repay $30,631.59 to FEMA after pleading guilty to fraud involving disaster assistance. Court records show she falsely claimed she lived at the property for 25 years, later changed her status from renter to owner, and told a FEMA inspector she owned the destroyed trailer. The truth — She never lived, rented or owned a residence there. She was incarcerated when Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina. Fraudsters who target disaster assistance will be held accountable. Under President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance & Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA is working with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud & Executive Director Scott Brady to root out fraud, protect American taxpayer dollars, and ensure accountability. Learn more in our recent news release: https://lnkd.in/erHxuR2A

President Donald J. Trump continues to support Palisades Fire recovery with $6B in federal assistance. FEMA assistance is helping eligible survivors of the LA wildfires access resources, navigate recovery, and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives. More: https://lnkd.in/gcFHNYDH

FEMA awarded $648 million in grant funding to fire departments and other emergency response organizations across the country: https://lnkd.in/e5YdUUua First responders play an essential role in keeping Americans safe. FEMA provides resources to ensure they have the equipment, staff, and training they need to quickly and effectively respond to emergencies. By supporting fire departments and first responder organizations, FEMA strengthens the resilience of communities nationwide.

Communities across the nation are served by emergency managers working at every level of government and across industries, including educational, faith-based, and nonprofit institutions. The field of emergency management is essential but has experienced mission creep and unclear expectations that weaken our effectiveness. We must go back to basics. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton issued new guidance establishing FEMA's definition of emergency management as “the strategic coordination of emergency services to protect life, property, and continuity of operations.” Emergency managers serving across all industries and levels of government need a strong professional foundation. Going forward, we will clearly define the standards for emergency management and ensure our programs, doctrine, training, and operations support that definition. We will also define common responsibilities and professional skills for emergency management to improve policies, training, and workforce readiness. By using this consistent approach at all levels, we can strengthen the profession and deliver a more secure homeland. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eTJSPuDD

Today, FEMA announced $300 million in grant awards to more than 1,600 houses of worship and other nonprofits across the country. They will use this money to harden their defenses against potential attacks, including acts of terrorism or targeted violence: https://lnkd.in/eJDkNW82 Nonprofits receiving awards include Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jewish affiliated institutions. The majority of the funding will be awarded to houses of worship, but selected organizations also include schools, medical facilities, senior centers, camps, museums, shelters and community centers.