Citizen Portal News California

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4 days ago

Committee advances bill to require Cal OES to fill catastrophic-planning gaps AB 2472, introduced by Chair Rhodesia Ransom, would require Cal OES to develop two additional catastrophic plans (Pandemic and CBRNE) and an urban-wildland incident plan; the committee voted to due-pass the bill to Appropriations after discussion about avoiding duplication with existing plans.

California is taking bold steps to enhance its disaster preparedness with a new bill requiring comprehensive plans for pandemics and catastrophic incidents.

Learn more here!

#CA #CitizenPortal #CrisisResponse #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

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6 days ago

Panel approves making Tennessee Emergency Management a cabinet‑level department The committee approved an amendment and advanced HB 25-60 to create the Tennessee Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) as a cabinet-level department; supporters cited recent storms and the need to separate preparedness and response functions.

Tennessee is taking a bold step towards enhancing disaster preparedness by advancing a bill to elevate the Department of Emergency Management to cabinet-level status.

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#TN #TennesseeEmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal #GovernmentOperations #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

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2 weeks ago

Cocke County adopts 2025–2030 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; FEMA approval pending adoption documentation County commissioners adopted the 2025–2030 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan after a presentation by EMA Director Joe Esway. FEMA Region 4 issued conditional compliance and requested submission of the formal adoption resolution for final approval.

Cocke County has officially adopted its 2025–2030 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, paving the way for crucial disaster funding and infrastructure protection!

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#CockeCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #CommunityResilience #CockeCountyHazardMitigation #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Arizona

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2 weeks ago

APS recounts Aug. 24 microburst that left much of Camp Verde without power; council presses on sheltering and preparedness Arizona Public Service summarized the Aug. 24, 2025 microburst and outage response; Council members asked where residents would shelter during a town‑wide outage and pressed for clearer contingency plans ahead of a spring 2026 preparedness work session.

A recent microburst left Camp Verde in the dark, sparking urgent questions about emergency shelter plans and community preparedness.

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#CampVerdeYavapaiCounty #AZ #CampVerdeEmergencyPreparedness #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityResilience #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Georgia

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2 weeks ago

Emergency management warns of federal grant timing and asks for matching funds, details on $2M for local emergency services GEMA told the committee federal changes to EMPG period-of-performance and recent federal funding reductions leave the state exposed; GEMA requested restoring match funding and sought committee guidance before allocating a $2 million emergency-services line to local fire stations.

Georgia's emergency management agency raises alarms over federal grant uncertainties, urging for restored match funding to ensure local preparedness amidst looming budget cuts.

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#GA #GeorgiaEmergencyServices #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #CommunitySafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Arkansas

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2 weeks ago

ADEM defends plan as municipalities warn of lost federal surplus access ADEM and DHS briefed lawmakers on the multistep closure of the federal surplus property program and the agency’s plan to repurpose the warehouse for disaster logistics; municipal leaders and legislators warned the program’s end would remove a low‑cost equipment source for local fire and rescue departments.

Arkansas is facing a critical shift as the federal surplus property program winds down, leaving local emergency services concerned about losing access to essential low-cost equipment.

Read the full story.

#AR #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News California

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3 weeks ago

Montero board votes unanimously to join San Mateo County hazard mitigation plan The Montero Water and Sanitary District voted 5–0 to participate in San Mateo County’s 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and include the Sewer Authority Midcoast site in the district’s annex, a step the district says preserves eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants and pre-disaster funding.

The Montero Water and Sanitary District just secured a vital step towards accessing federal disaster funding by voting unanimously to join San Mateo County's 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

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#CA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 weeks ago

Committee hears $375,000 pilot to develop emergency plans for two high‑hazard dams Legislative Council staff described a pilot to create emergency operations plans for two state‑owned high‑hazard dams and proposed a $375,000 general‑fund appropriation (Vermont Emergency Management $250,000; DEC $125,000) to prepare EOP templates and a report due July 1, 2028.

A new $375,000 pilot program aims to create crucial emergency plans for municipalities at risk from high-hazard dams, potentially saving lives in vulnerable areas.

Learn more here

#VT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityResilience #VermontEmergencyPlans #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Oregon

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1 month ago

Universities and state agencies warn wildfire and seismic detection systems face funding gap Oregon Hazards Lab, Department of Forestry and Link Oregon outlined coordinated seismic and wildfire detection systems, described partnerships and technical backhaul options, and warned that funding shortfalls (about $2 million) put many fire cameras at risk ahead of a potentially severe fire season.

Oregon's wildfire and seismic detection systems are in jeopardy due to a $2 million funding shortfall, threatening crucial safety measures just as fire season looms.

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#OR #PublicSafety #FundingChallenges #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Henderson County schedules public hearings for Hazard Mitigation Plan update Emergency management staff updated the court on a yearlong FEMA‑approved Hazard Mitigation Plan update and the court set two public hearings (March 10 and March 17 at 9:10 a.m.) to receive public comment before resubmission to TDEM and FEMA.

Henderson County is revamping its Hazard Mitigation Plan, but two cities may miss out—will your voice be heard in the upcoming public hearings?

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#HendersonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #EmergencyManagement #HendersonCountyHazardMitigation #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 month ago

Panel backs bill to recreate Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund with tighter limits and reporting PCB 26-02 was reported favorably to recreate the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, limit its revenues to legislatively appropriated state funds, restrict its use to natural emergencies, require quarterly reporting and legislative consultation for renewals after 60 days, and sunset the fund on July 1, 2030 unless reenacted.

Florida's lawmakers are pushing to revive the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund with new restrictions and accountability measures amidst concerns over past misuse.

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#FL #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Wyoming

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1 month ago

House adds second wildland fire module to forestry bill, citing readiness and cost savings Lawmakers adopted an amendment adding a second firefighting module to House Bill 36 after floor debate emphasized local wildfire experience and potential cost savings; the bill passed the House 61-1.

Wyoming lawmakers have taken a bold step to enhance wildfire readiness by adding a second firefighting module to House Bill 36, aiming to save costs and improve local leadership during critical fire seasons.

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#WY #LocalLeadership #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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1 month ago

Panel adopts limited 'state of preparedness' language, removes disaster‑fund provision The subcommittee amended and reported House Bill 11 89 to add a 15‑day 'state of preparedness' declaration allowing pre‑deployment of resources while striking a proposed disaster fund; VDEM supported the change and the amended bill passed 7–0.

Virginia is set to empower its governor with a new "state of preparedness" declaration, allowing for swift resource deployment ahead of disasters without triggering full emergency protocols.

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#VA #VirginiaEmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Alaska

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1 month ago

Senate committee adopts 'ready‑set‑go' amendment and sends SB192 out of committee The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee adopted a committee substitute and moved Senate Bill 192, which requires a statewide 'ready, set, go' evacuation designation framework for plans under AS 26.23.073 and AS 26.23.060. The CS adds the familiar traffic‑light designations (green/yellow/red) to additional planning statutes.

Alaska's Senate just adopted a life-saving 'ready, set, go' evacuation system, transforming emergency communication with a simple traffic light approach!

Learn more here

#AK #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness #AlaskaEmergencyPlans

Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County adopts 2026 multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 update to the county's multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan after county emergency-management staff said FEMA issued an approval-pending-adoption letter.

Kootenai County just took a major step forward by adopting the 2026 update to its All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, ensuring future safety and grant eligibility!

Learn more here

#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #EmergencyManagement #DisasterReadiness #FEMACompliance

Citizen Portal News Washington

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1 month ago

Chehalis Basin authority outlines pump-and-levee strategy, seeks funding for Farragut pump Staff from the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority presented an update on lower-basin flood projects, described a GIS dashboard showing pump status, said pumps and levees protect people and assessed value, and indicated a funding request for the Farragut pump station is planned.

Aberdeen's flood defense is getting a major upgrade with a multi-year plan for pumps and levees that promises to protect thousands and safeguard millions in property value!

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#AberdeenGraysHarborCounty #WA #EconomicContinuity #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Maryland

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1 month ago

Senate bill would authorize state to pursue parametric insurance for disasters SB95 would authorize Maryland to pursue parametric insurance (policies that pay on objective triggers) to supplement disaster financing. Sponsor cited international examples and recent flooding; insurers urged study and a regulatory framework before broader adoption.

Maryland is considering a groundbreaking bill that could revolutionize disaster payouts with parametric insurance, ensuring rapid financial relief when it’s needed most.

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#MD #EconomicStability #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness #MarylandDisaster

Citizen Portal News California

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1 month ago

Simi Valley directs staff to expand outreach, workshops and advocacy on power-shutoff preparedness The City Council unanimously directed staff to broaden outreach and education for residents affected by public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), including hands-on assistance enrolling vulnerable residents in utility programs, exploring battery-backup options and continuing lobbying of utilities and the CPUC.

Simi Valley's City Council is taking bold steps to empower residents against power shutoffs by expanding outreach and hands-on assistance for those in need.

Learn more here

#SimiValleyVenturaCounty #CA #CommunityOutreach #UtilitySupport #SimiValleyPublicSafety #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Massachusetts

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2 months ago

Resilience advocates urge committee to boost MVP authorization to $500 million Representatives of the MVP coalition and regional groups urged lawmakers to increase the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness authorization from the administration's $315M to $500M, arguing MVP provides flexible, regionally balanced grants with high returns on avoided damages.

Advocates are rallying for a significant boost in funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, calling it essential for combating climate challenges in Massachusetts.

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#MA #CommunityPlanning #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Oregon

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2 months ago

Council debates giving mayor temporary power to declare local emergency; first reading tabled for rewrite Council reviewed a draft ordinance to authorize the mayor to declare a local emergency when the council cannot be convened, including powers for curfews, evacuations and procurement exceptions; councilors requested edits to clarify ratification timing and chain-of-command and tabled the measure for a clean ordinance.

Seaside Council is considering a new ordinance that would empower the mayor to declare a local emergency, but will it be enough to ensure timely action in crises?

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#SeasideClatsopCounty #OR #PublicSafety #SeasideEmergency #CivicAccountability #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Alaska

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2 months ago

Juneau issues evacuation advisory as officials report multiple avalanches and warn rain could trigger larger slides City and Borough of Juneau issued an evacuation advisory for known avalanche slide paths and opened a Red Cross shelter after observers reported several natural avalanches; officials urged immediate evacuation for residents in mapped hazard areas and warned rain on packed snow could trigger deeper slides.

Juneau officials have issued an urgent evacuation advisory as multiple avalanches threaten safety and rain could trigger even larger slides.

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#JuneauCityandBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #JuneauAvalanche #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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3 months ago

Regional coordinators warn EMPG delays could stall training and local hazard‑mitigation work Regional staff told the committee they submitted EMPG applications by Sept. 1 but the state is still awaiting legal review of federal funds; the delay has forced some duties onto regional coordinators, may pause workshops and some outreach, and leaves towns without expected grant support.

EMPG delays are threatening vital training and outreach efforts in Rutland County, leaving regional coordinators scrambling for solutions.

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#RutlandCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #FundingChallenges #RutlandCountyEmergencyManagement #CommunityResilience #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Nevada

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3 months ago

Nevada OEM says FEMA review council decision, grant delays will shape 2025 emergency funding OEM reported the Dec. 11 FEMA review council meeting could reshape national emergency management policy and confirmed EMPG and homeland-security grants for 2025 are on hold; EMPG is pending FEMA acceptance of Nevada's population certification and other grants have been delayed, shortening review windows.

Nevada's emergency management future hangs in the balance as a crucial FEMA review meeting approaches—could it reshape funding and policy nationwide?

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#NV #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #NevadaEmergencyManagement #GrantAdministration #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News California

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3 months ago

Board adopts updated Humboldt County Hazard Mitigation Plan to remain eligible for federal funding The Board voted 3–2 to adopt a five‑year update to the Humboldt County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a multi‑jurisdictional document that identifies ten hazards, prioritizes countywide mitigation actions and is required for FEMA/Cal OES grant eligibility.

Humboldt County just took a crucial step to safeguard its communities by adopting a comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan, but what does this mean for the future?

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#HumboldtCounty #CA #ClimateResilience #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness

The-14

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3 months ago

From earthquakes to wildfires, Canada is woefully ill-prepared for disasters | The-14 Canada faces growing risks from earthquakes, wildfires and failing infrastructure, revealing dangerous lack of preparedness and ignored warning signs nationwide

From earthquakes to wildfires, Canada is woefully ill-prepared for disasters
#Canada #Disasters #Wildfires #Earthquakes #ClimateRisk #Infrastructure #PublicSafety #UrbanPlanning #Politics #ClimateChange #WildfireSmoke #DisasterReadiness #CrisisResponse
the-14.com/from-earthqu...

Citizen Portal News Utah

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3 months ago

City staff present Weber County pre‑disaster mitigation plan; adoption would preserve federal grant eligibility Ogden City Council heard a presentation from county staff on the Weber County five‑year pre‑disaster mitigation plan, which catalogs 14 hazards and lists local mitigation projects. Adopting the plan keeps the city eligible for federal mitigation funding but does not by itself obligate the city to spend new funds.

Ogden's future safety hinges on the adoption of a crucial pre-disaster mitigation plan that identifies 14 local hazards and potential federal funding opportunities.

Learn more here!

#UT #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness #CommunityResilience #FederalFunding

Citizen Portal News California

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4 months ago

Carpinteria council authorizes city to join county-led hazard mitigation update with potential grant funding The council authorized the city manager to submit a letter of intent to participate in a county-led multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan update; staff said a $375,000 county grant could cover plan costs and the city's share would be about $25,000 if the grant is not awarded. The motion passed unanimously.

Carpinteria's council just voted to join a crucial hazard mitigation plan update, unlocking the potential for $375,000 in grant funding—will they secure the support they need?

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#CarpinteriaCitySantaBarbaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness #GrantFunding

Citizen Portal News California

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4 months ago

Carpinteria council joins county-led hazard-mitigation update and adopts development-impact-fee annual report The council authorized the city manager to sign a letter of intent to participate in a county-led update of the multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan (a grant would cover costs if awarded); the council also adopted the annual development-impact-fee (DIF) report and updated the city capital-improvement plan and fee schedule.

Carpinteria City Council is taking bold steps to secure funding for crucial hazard mitigation updates that could protect the community from wildfires, flooding, and seismic risks.

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#CarpinteriaCitySantaBarbaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness #CommunityResilience

Citizen Portal News Massachusetts

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4 months ago

Cancellation of BRIC awards imperils Chelsea‑Everett island and river flood‑protection project City officials told lawmakers FEMA's termination of BRIC funding withdrew a $50M award for the Island and River Flood Resiliency Project, leaving a $120M plan without federal construction funding and forcing difficult tradeoffs between shelving the full project or phasing it with a ~$30M first phase.

FEMA's shocking withdrawal of a $50 million grant has left Chelsea and Everett's vital flood-resiliency project hanging by a thread, threatening the region's economy and safety.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #EconomicStability #DisasterReadiness #InfrastructureProtect

Citizen Portal News Texas

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4 months ago

Newton County urged to pin local drainage problems to qualify for flood-infrastructure funding A Texas Water Development Board regional flood planning representative urged Newton County to submit location-specific problems via a public survey/QR code so those projects can be considered for future flood infrastructure funding under regional plans.

Newton County has a golden opportunity to secure flood-infrastructure funding, but it all starts with pinpointing local drainage issues through a quick online survey!

Learn more here

#NewtonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #DisasterReadiness #NewtonCountyFlooding #CommunityInvolvement