Department of Homeland Security (DHS) News

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the launch of the modernization effort to develop a new, interoperable fire information and analytics platform, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), for the American fire and emergency services. This effort is being carried out as a partnership between USFA and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) The goal...

Two grant programs designed to address staffing, equipment, training, and health and safety needs of firefighters are scheduled to ‘sunset’ in 2024 unless Congress reauthorizes the grant programs, and funding for the programs will run out unless Congress endows them for another year. Legislation to extend the programs has already passed the U.S. Senate. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides funding to hire additional personnel to mainta...

Integrations will enable alerting authorities to disseminate wireless emergency alerts to the public in near real time through vehicle navigation and entertainment systems. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate concluded a proof-of-concept demonstration of the wildland urban interface (WUI) integration model that integrates next generation technologies with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and GPS navigation applications and cutting-ed...

Wildland urban interface (WUI) areas — where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland — are vulnerable to wildfires. The destruction caused by wildfires can be exploited by criminals and, because of the minimal resources required and the potential for widespread damage, foreign terrorist organizations encourage arson attacks in WUI areas. First Responder's Toolbox The National Counterterrorism Center's Joint Counterterrorism Assessment T...

One alarming aspect of the opioid crisis is the frequency first responders encounter synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Fentanyl and related compounds present a safety hazard for first responders — including emergency medical and law enforcement personnel at all levels — if they are not adequately prepared with proper protective equipment and reliable detection. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) funded and provided s...

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting technology development through its Science and Technology Directorate’s SCITI (pronounced “city”) solutions lab. SCITI stands for Smart City and Internet of Things Innovation. SCITI innovations promote public safety in...

Lion, one of the largest family-owned manufacturers of first responder personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United States, recently launched their new RedZone Contaminant Control Package to help firefighters reduce their exposure to fire-related carcinogens. Developed in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Technology Directorate (S&T) and the North Carolina State University Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), the launch of this groundbreaking turnout...

The City of Orlando is taking action to increase the protection of its firefighters by providing new structural fire protective clothing specifically designed to reduce exposure of potentially dangerous particulates into garments worn by members of the Orlando Fire Department (OFD). After an extensive wear trial process, the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) chose LION’s RedZone turnout gear, part of the Dayton, Ohio-based PPE company’s overall contaminant control effort developed in pa...

Rajant and Dejero’s Technology Springs into Action in the Battle Against a 420-Acre Wildfire on the Santa Barbara County Coast. A wind-driven brush fire triggered evacuations after breaking out along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, California. On a sunny afternoon in mid-October 2019, the heat from the sun combined with winds gusting up to 40 mph through the quiet foothills of El Capitán Canyon, sparking a wind-whipped, vegetation brush fire in the overly dry desert hill...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) joined with other major national fire service organizations in asking Congress to provide full funding, $750 million each, for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs in FY 2021. The letter also asks Congress to waive local matching funds requirements under AFG and SAFER and to increase flexibility for using SAFER funds to retain personnel in FY 2020, FY 2021, and for any s...

The NVFC created a survey to better understand the experiences of volunteer and combination fire, EMS, and rescue departments dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and related social distancing measures. NVFC encourages all to take the survey weekly so they can track changing needs and challenges. First Responders Children The First Responders Children’s Foundation is providing financial support to first responder families who are enduring financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbr...

As a supplier of lighting and warning equipment for the public safety organizations that serve communities, Code 3 will continue operations during this difficult time. There is an update on Code 3's status from ESG (ECCO Safety Group) President for Americas region, John Ducharme. ESG and Code 3 recognize that many of the customers directly support first responders, as well as private and government agencies that are directly responsible for not only keeping everyone safe, but also for maintaini...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its first unmanned robotics guidance for first responders and others. NFPA 2400, Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations was developed by representatives from public safety departments with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. NFPA 2400 is an all-encompassing standard that applies to all public safety departments that...

NCT CBRNe USA 2015 was this year’s place to be for meeting the country’s leading decision-makers NCT CBRNe USA 2015: Setting a benchmark for high-quality CBRN events of the future Giving an alternative to old-fashioned CBRN forums where stakeholders meet the same people and colleagues over and over again each year, NCT events are renowned for their high quality when it comes to international CBRN forums and to creating an interactive, intercultural CBRN community....

2012 Career Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran,of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Departmentin Atlanta, GA. Fire Chief Magazine, part of Penton Media, Inc.’s Public Infrastructure Group, and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, today announced the 2012 winners of the annual “Fire Chief of the Year” awards. Career Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department in Atlanta, Ga. and Volunteer Fire Chief Jona Olsson of the...

Bunker Hill students can now receive certificates from the National Fire Academy, part of the DHS The National Fire Academy has recognised the Bunker Hill Community College Fire Protection and Safety Program as meeting all requirements for the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Curriculum. FESHE online and classroom courses are taught by professional firefighters, including deputy chiefs and chiefs of area fire departments. Students who complete the required...

FEMA and other federal organisations have collaborated to develop measures against tsunami like situations Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate briefed President Obama on the Department's ongoing coordination activities with potentially affected states and territories. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners are closely monitoring the effects of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that...

U.S Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano emphasized on collaboration to fight against disasters The MOC between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management establishes a framework for information sharing and emergency management cooperation. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Mike Moore today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (M...

G7 security systems are helpful for the fire and safety industry in real time situations due to their adaptability G7 Security App offers Cyber Security Alerts in real time from the National Cyber Alert System that contains timely information about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits. The system also serves fire safety and security services. G7 Security App provides tools, latest News and dynamic content on Cyber Security from Global CERTS and various othe...

FP&S is a part of Assistance to Firefighter Grants program useful for firefighters involved in it   Projects supported by Fire Prevention and Safety grants often align with the types of activities performed by Fire Corps programs. The FY 2010 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period will open soon, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Grant Programs Directorate has released a Get Ready Guide to help departments start prepping their gran...

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are meant to enhance the safety of public and firefighters Fire Prevention & Safety grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards. The Department of Homeland Security posted the FY2011 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Web site. The application period is scheduled to begin on Jan. 3, 20...

The partnership between DHS and Walmart would lead the way for people to play an active role in safety campaign More than 230 Walmart stores nationwide launched the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the expansion of the Department's national "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign to hundreds of Walmart stores across the country launching a new partnership between D...

FEMA and American Red Cross came together to provide care during disaster FEMA and American Red Cross partnership will strengthen mass care during a disaster. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that sets the framework for the Red Cross and FEMA to jointly lead the planning and coordination of mass care services, which will strengthen and expand the resour...

A major disaster for Arizona declaredby Craig Fugate Craig Fugate Administrator of DHS's FEMA announced that aid is available to the state of Arizona for local recovery in the area affected by severe storms and floods. The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Craig Fugate announced that federal aid is available to the state of Arizona to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe stor...

Disaster relief grants for Illinois severe storms and flooding are free from taxes Grants are also not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income benefit programs funded by the U.S. government. Recipients of state and federal disaster assistance grants will not have to pay taxes on those funds. Disaster relief payments provided to survivors of the Illinois severe storms and flooding are not subject to income tax, self-employment tax, or employment taxes such...

It is always better to be prepared to face any kind of disaster rather than suffering the pain FEMA reminds citizens that emergency preparedness is important throughout the year for life's safety.As the seventh annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) comes to an end, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to remind citizens of the importance of emergency preparedness throughout the year. NPM, sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, is held each Se...

SBA provides multilingual operators who can address questions and concerns over the phone Illinois flood victims can now avail help from SBA in any language. Illinois residents with damage from the summer floods July 19-Aug. 7 can get disaster help in any language. “With any language from Arabic to Vietnamese, someone can get on the phone and walk you through the entire process, from telling us about your damages to completing the necessary forms,” said Federal...

Public alert and warning systems help in overcoming the possiblities of loss of life during disasters and catastrophes The new digital message format being adopted by FEMA is the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) v1.2 Standard. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the adoption of a new digital message format for the Integrated Public Alert and...

New EMS study shows lot of changes related to fire emergencyresponder crew size Study of EMS and public safety by IAFF and NIST shows that size and design of first responder crew and ALS crew affect the fire department’s ability to react on calls for emergency medical service. A new study issued by a broad coalition in the scientific, fire fighting, EMS and public-safety communities shows that the size and configuration of an EMS first responder crew and an advanc...

FEMA, with all members of ASG and SBA ,launched recovery efforts within days of the devastating tsunami The Department of Homeland Security's FEMA offered their warm condolences to the victims and shared optimism for the coming future of the people of American Samoa. One year ago a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck American Samoa and caused extensive damage and loss of life. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has worked...