Current Preparedness Training

FEMA Webinars

FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program

Monday, January 30, 2022, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET

AFGPlease join the Region 2 National Preparedness Division for a webinar on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP) which funds critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and support community resilience.

FEMA Region 2 Fire Program Specialist Brian S. Thomas and Grants Management Specialist Rita Varano-Beck will provide a brief overview of AFG grants, grant management, and grant writing. In addition, they will provide tips on how to develop a successful grant application.

Who should attend: Local, State, Federal government, Firefighters, EMTs, Grant Writers and Grant Managers

Registration: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/afgp2023/event/registration.html


FEMA Classes

CERT Train-the-Trainer (K0428)

This course prepares participants to deliver the FEMA’s CERT Basic Training course. Except for the two in-person options, all classes will be delivered in a completely virtual environment, via Adobe Connect. Familiarize yourself with Adobe Connect before the class. Students will use a course link to enter as guests. No Adobe Connect account or download of Adobe will be required.

The audience for this course includes those who will have or currently have either of the following responsibilities: Serves as the course manager for the CERT Basic Training course or serves as a CERT Basic Training course instructor.

All classes, except where noted, meet online from 1-5 p.m. Eastern time three days a week for two consecutive weeks. Students must attend all sessions.

2023 Dates

•    January 30, 31, and February 1, in person

•    February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

•    March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

•    April 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20

•    May 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25

•    June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

•    August 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

•    September 11, 12, and 13, in person


New Faith-Based Security Resources Guide and Training Opportunities

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are sharing a new faith-based and house of worship security resources guide in the attachment.

Also, on August 1, Governor Murphy signed legislation requiring the establishment of threat assessment teams in public, charter and renaissance schools for the 2023-2024 school year. To support the implementation of school-based behavioral threat assessment teams, the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning, through the U.S. Department of Justice’s STOP School Violence Grant Program, is hosting Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management training sessions for communities. Grounded in research, behavioral threat assessment is recognized as the current best practice for preventing targeted school-based violence. The sessions will provide an awareness of the fundamentals and basic principles of school threat assessment and management programs. If you have any questions or concerns, please email OSPEP at school.security@doe.nj.gov.


Application Period for FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Opens Jan. 23

YPC Logo Starting on Jan. 23, teens with a passion for preparedness can apply to join FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC)! The YPC offers an opportunity for teens to share their ideas and feedback with FEMA, improve their leadership skills, and develop preparedness projects. YPC members also participate in an annual youth summit in Washington, D.C. with FEMA leaders and preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field of emergency management.

FEMA created the YPC in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are excited about emergency preparedness and making a difference in their communities. Since then, hundreds of young people have served on both the FEMA National YPC and FEMA Regional YPCs. Throughout the years, YPC members have started preparedness clubs at their schools, hosted fairs and events in their communities, led Teen Community Emergency Response Teams (Teen CERTs), and developed a variety of preparedness materials, from children’s books to informative videos.

Applicants can apply through either a written or video response. They must provide two letters of recommendation and a list of extracurricular activities and trainings. To showcase their qualifications, applicants can also add optional supplemental materials, such as links to news stories, awards, blog posts, and more.

Once applications are evaluated, FEMA staff will conduct interviews with selected semi-finalists. Successful applicants highlight their preparedness, service and leadership experience and provide a well-rounded overview of their qualifications. FEMA will notify selected candidates in May. Interested students can apply online at https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc. The application period begins Jan. 23, 2023 and closes March 6, 2023.  

Save the dates! FEMA will host two webinars for potential applicants to learn more about the YPC application process and to ask FEMA staff questions about the application. The first is on Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET. The second is on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. Register here for the Jan. 30 webinar and here for the Feb. 28 webinar. Read more...