November, 2023
Volume 17 Issue 11
**Best viewed on a computer browser or horizontally if you are on a smart phone**
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Funding
The notice of funding has been released for FEMA's annual Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
The deadline for applications for State is Friday, January 12, 2024 in FEMA GO. You can view the fact sheet and the full notice of funding.
- Eligible Applicants: State agencies, Regional Planning Commissions, and municipalities. Municipalities must have an approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan at application submission and award.
- Funding Available: $2 million (federal share) set aside for Vermont. Nationally competitive mitigation projects can also be submitted over that amount.
- Eligible Projects:
- Project Scoping: this funding can be used for a specific structure, like a bridge or culvert, or a larger area, i.e., a part of your community with flood vulnerability. Scoping projects typically include an analysis of alternatives and designs, budget, scope, and Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for the preferred alternative.
- Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Development/Updates: each year under this program, VEM submits one application for all interested towns to update their LHMPs or develop new LHMPs. Under BRIC 2022, VEM applied for many towns that needed plans, and we are currently waiting on the award. If you want to know whether your town was included, please email dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov. In addition to LHMPs, you can apply for other planning activities related to mitigation risk in your communities/regions.
- Construction Projects: e.g., home buyouts, floodplain restoration, and culvert upsizing projects.
- Management Costs: 5% of total project costs will be available to sub-applicants for managing the grant award. This portion is 100% federally funded.
- Cost Share: 75% federal, 25% local non-federal (cash and/or in-kind); 90% federal share is available for Economically Disadvantaged Rural Communities (EDRC). If you have questions on whether your community would qualify for a 90% cost share, please reach out.
If you are interested in applying, please send us your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and we will get you set up in the FEMA GO system to develop an application, or contact us to discuss a possible application.
VEM Seeking Deputy Director Applicants - Deadline November 13
Vermont Emergency Management is looking for a second in command. VEM is currently accepting applications for the position of Deputy Director, the post vacated by Eric Forand's appointment as Director.
The Deputy Director oversees the day-to-day activities of the division. In coordination with the Director, the Deputy Director will work with federal and state officials to establish annual priorities based on multi-level strategic plans. The position will make decisions about the training and exercise activities of the division and serve as a source of emergency management information for national, regional, and local groups, including the media.
Deadline for applications is November 13, 2023.
For a complete list of responsibilities and qualifications and to apply for the position, visit the posting on the state Human Resources website.
VEM Provides Assistance at Wheels for Warmth Event
Vermont Emergency Management and FEMA were present at the Wheels for Warmth events on October 28th. Representatives were on hand to answer questions about FEMA applications, what losses are eligible for financial aid, and what support services are available.
Public Information Basics for Locals
There's a big fire in your small town, your department is working with mutual aid under incident command, and the operation is working by the book. Then a wildcard appears: a TV news crew shows up on the scene, what now? Don't worry; it's easier than it may seem.
Vermont Emergency Management now offers a basic how-to on media and public communications for local departments and officials. Public Information Basics for Locals will be delivered twice, on December 11 in Barre and December 12 in Williston.
Press coverage of an emergency event, controversy, or town politics could happen anytime and anywhere. Public Information Basics for Locals will guide you in preparing for press interactions on the scene, handling interviews, and proactively establishing productive relationships with local and statewide media.
Vermont Emergency Management has designed this course for local responders and government officials in Vermont. The three-hour course covers the fundamentals of press relations, effective use of social media, press release preparation, and interview dos and don'ts.
Please note that this course is not the official FEMA Basic Public Information Officer class. However, it can help attendees decide if they wish to further their career development through the FEMA Public Information Officer curriculum.
Register for either session through the Vermont Learning Management System.
Training
Vermont/Virtual
Most trainings require a Learning Management System(LMS) account. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one.
For a complete listing of trainings go to the Events Calendar in the LMS:
November 2023
ICS-200 Prep - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
THIS IS PREPARATORY TRAINING - IT DOES NOT PROVIDE ICS 200 QUALIFICATION, IT PREPARES STUDENTS TO TAKE THE ONLINE IS-200 TEST FOR OFFICIAL CREDIT. ICS 200 enables personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-200 provides training and resources for personnel likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS.
LOCATION: VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT
DATE/TIME: November 7-8, 2023, 8:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
State Emergency Operation Center Orientation
The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the State Emergency Operations Center. This course is ONLY available to those who staff the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters, Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: November 14, 2023, 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and WebEOC Sate User Training
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
December 2023
Public Information Officer Basics for Locals
LOCATION: Town of Barre Municipal Building, Barre, VT
DATE/TIME: December 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
Public Information Officer Basics for Locals
LOCATION: Williston Fire Department, Williston, VT
DATE/TIME: December 12, 2023, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System
January 2024
VT- Alert Manager Training
This training is intended for Town Officials or Non-Profits who use VT-Alert for public and private notifications. This class is required for all people who will be using the program at the manager level. This training can also act as a refresher as needed. The class will be approximately 1.5 hours long and consist of sending live test alerts. A computer and internet connection are required. A second computer monitor is highly suggested as there is a follow along portion to the class
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: January 10, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
L0146 Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) course provides a comprehensive overview of exercise design along with practical skill development. Using the same terminology and processes, this course will provide activities that will give participants an opportunity to interact with many of the templates and other materials that are provided by the National Exercise Division to ensure exercises are conducted in a consistent manner. Anyone who will be a member of an exercise design team or fulfill a role in one of the following areas of the exercise design process: design, development, conduct, evaluation or improvement process for exercise. The primary audience for the course is training officers, exercise managers, persons that will utilize the exercise and evaluation system and persons interested in becoming an HSEEP Evaluator for Vermont Emergency Management.
LOCATION: McFarland State Office Building, Barre, VT
DATE/TIME: January 23-24, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: IS-120
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
February 2024
Vermont Local Emergency Management Director Course
This course will familiarize Local Emergency Management Directors (EMD) and Coordinators (EMC) with major roles, responsibilities, and “how to do it” guidance, across all four phases of Emergency Management.
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: February 14-15, 2024, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System:
State Emergency Operation Center Orientation
The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the State Emergency Operations Center. This course is ONLY available to those who staff the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters, Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: February 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and WebEOC Sate User Training
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
April 2024
G0191- ICS/EOC Interface
This course provides an opportunity for participants to begin developing an effective interface between the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for their community by applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles. This course reviews ICS and EOC responsibilities and functions and depends heavily on exercises and group discussions to identify interface issues and develop solutions. As part of the course, these concepts are then applied to exercise situations.
LOCATION: Bristol Fire Department, Bristol, VT
DATE/TIME: April 10, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System