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General Security and Resilience

DHS Announces Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2019 Preparedness Grants

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary David P. Pekoske announced the release of Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Notices of Funding Opportunity for eight DHS preparedness grant programs totaling more than $1.7 billion. The grant programs provide funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private sector organizations, to improve the nation’s readiness in preventing, protecting against, responding to, recovering from and mitigating terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

AWWA Utility Risk and Resilience Certificate Program to Facilitate Compliance with AWIA

The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA’s) Utility Risk & Resilience Certificate Program is intended to help utilities and consultants working with utilities apply sound risk and resilience management strategies that will facilitate compliance with the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018.

U.S. Hit with Two Billion-Dollar Disasters so far in 2019

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports the U.S. has experienced two billion dollar disasters in 2019 (by comparison, there were 14 billion-dollar disasters for all of 2018). These disasters include the “bomb cyclone” that brought heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and major flooding to the Midwest in March and the severe storm that struck the Northeast, Southeast, and Ohio Valley in February. In its reporting, NOAA also highlights recent significant climate anomalies and events.

Nielsen Departs DHS; McAleenan to Take Acting Role

Over the weekend, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced her resignation, bringing to a close her tenure at the department that began in December 2017. The White House has announced it intends to place Kevin McAleenan in the role of acting secretary “in the short term.” McAleenan has been serving as the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection since March 2018. McAleenan is a career official who previously served as the deputy commissioner during President Barack Obama's administration.

World’s Nuclear Chief Says Risk of Weapons Proliferation is Rising

In an interview, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano warns that technological developments and more countries pursuing nuclear weapons are presenting new risks. “You can get the information, you can get the material, the education. It’s available,” he said. Amano also noted that “the current environment” makes it “easier for countries to proliferate.” He commented on the nuclear programs, known or suspected, in three countries: North Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

Individuals and Organizations Encouraged to Save for Disasters during National Financial Capability Month

April is National Financial Capability Month, for which FEMA reminds is partners that the best way to prepare for a natural disaster is by knowing the risks of where they’re located and saving for the unexpected. As FEMA notes, rebuilding after a disaster presents many challenges. In these stressful circumstances, disaster savings can help individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations bounce back quick and start on the road to recovery.

Review of Preparedness and Response for 2018’s Disasters

2018 was a busy year in terms of natural disasters, with 124 federal disaster declarations addressing wildfires, mudslides, hurricanes, and tornadoes. How did the emergency management community perform in terms of preparing for and responding to these events? And what should happen next? An article by two emergency management professionals seeks to answer these questions by examining them in the context of efforts taken for the California wildfires and Hurricanes Florence and Michael.

Oroville Main Spillway to Be Used for First Time Since Reconstruction

For the first time following a large reconstruction effort, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) anticipates that today it will use the main spillway to help manage the water level in the Oroville Reservoir and provide flood protection for surrounding communities. “DWR has restored full functionality to the Oroville main spillway and is operating the reservoir to ensure public safety of those downstream,” said DWR State Water Project Deputy Director Joel Ledesma.

EPA Utility Resilience Program Retools Online Resources

EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) program has released new versions of three online tools that utilities can use to inform their preparedness and mitigation planning efforts. The CRWU program provides drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities with practical tools, training, and technical assistance to help these utilities prepare for drought, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events.

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