Management
FEMA's Deanne Criswell Talks Following Your Gut and the Agency’s Focus on Equity in Disaster Response
The first woman in the agency’s top job said FEMA has to make sure it’s helping those who face barriers navigate bureaucracy.
Workforce
COVID Hits Wildfire Fighters Even Harder Than Last Year
At least 421 U.S. Forest Service fire personnel tested positive for COVID-19 this year.
Management
HUD Cuts ‘Red Tape’ for Hurricane Ida Victims
Department announces a package of 27 administrative and regulatory waivers.
Management
Why People Resist Disaster Preparedness Spending
Some people may oppose disaster preparedness spending because it "only seems worthwhile to those personally affected by extreme weather events."
Defense
California, Louisiana Receive Outside Help to Support Natural Disaster Response
Both states have units deployed that would otherwise be helping in their efforts.
Workforce
OPM Issues Guidance on Weather Leave in Age of Telework, Disasters
As the remnants of Hurricane Ida created disruptions throughout the eastern United States, the Office of Personnel Management highlighted how workplace flexibilities can mesh with the federal government’s current maximum telework posture.
Management
FEMA and Other Federal Agencies Respond to Storm Henri
The emergency assistance agency is also helping Tennessee following the massive floods.
Management
Analysis: As Colorado River Basin States Confront Water Shortages, It’s Time to Focus on Reducing Demand
A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.
Workforce
Senate-Approved Infrastructure Bill Would Raise Wildland Firefighter Pay
The bill also would increase the number of full-time federal firefighters.
Management
GovExec Daily: How to Budget for the Next Pandemic
Former OMB official Doug Criscitello joins the podcast to discuss how government can prepare for catastrophe.
Management
One Year In: How COVID-19's Toll Compares With Other Causes of Death
COVID-19 has become the country’s third-leading cause of death, and isn’t far behind cancer.
Management
Texas National Guard Deployed to Get COVID-19 Vaccines to Older Texans Who Are Homebound
Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants the majority of Texans who are 65 and older to be inoculated against COVID-19 by the end of March. He said the state could announce more eligibility for the vaccines next month.
Oversight
Watchdog Finds ‘Minimal Oversight’ of Program to Help Workers Who Lose Their Jobs Following Disasters
IG proposes improvements based on a Labor Department agency’s response to 2017 hurricanes and wildfires.
Management
Viewpoint: As Wildfires Burn, Assigning Blame Is Complicated
Climate change has made environmental catastrophes more frequent and severe. But government missteps are also at fault.
Management
Hurricanes and Wildfires Are Colliding with the COVID-19 Pandemic – and Compounding the Risks
Disaster preparation and evacuation procedures weren't made for social distancing. The pandemic means response decisions are now fraught with contradictions.
Management
Millions of Homeowners Who Need Flood Insurance Don’t Know It — Thanks to FEMA
It is FEMA’s job to warn homeowners about major flood risks, but its approach is notoriously limited. In Cook County alone, researchers found about six times as many properties in danger as FEMA estimated. Look up your address with a new tool.
Defense
Can the President Really Order the Military to Occupy U.S. Cities and States?
President Trump has warned that he will send the military into states to curb protests. Is Trump’s warning bluster? Or does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
Management
Is This the Worst Year in Modern American History?
Comparing 2020 to 1968 offers some disquieting lessons for the present.
Management
FEMA Is Deploying Employees Ill-Prepared for Disaster Response, Report Finds
The agency is also dealing with severe shortfalls in its on-call and reservist workforce.
Management