Preparedness Webinars

Watch previously recorded webinars that focus on topics impacting individual and community preparedness. These sessions are a collaborative effort between FEMA Region 2 and FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness Division. 

Hurricane Readiness for U.S.V.I. Houses of Worship (2020)
In this webinar you will learn about hurricane readiness and preparedness for Houses of Worship in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chris Moore, Hurricane Program Manager, FEMA Region II, provides a brief overview of hurricane hazards, forecast products, and resources for hurricane planning and response. Denise Lewis, Deputy Director of Planning & Preparedness for VITEMA provides guidance specific to the territory.

Hurricane Readiness for Emergency Managers (2020)
This informative session presented by Chris Moore, Hurricane Program Manager, FEMA Region II, provides an overview of hurricane hazards, forecast products and resources for hurricane planning and response.

Hurricane Season Brief (2020)
Learn more about the 2020 Hurricane Season Forecast. Ernesto Morales and Ernesto Rodriguez, meteorologists from the Puerto Rico National Weather Service Office review the year's forecasts, discuss extreme weather preparedness and share information from the National Hurricane Center. Available in Spanish.

Hurricane Season Is Coming, Are You Prepared? (2020)
Matt Doody, a meteorologist and emergency response specialist at the National Weather Service Eastern Region Headquarters, provides an overview of hurricane meteorology and discusses what you need to do to prepare for hurricane season.

Prepare for the 2019 Hurricane Season (2019)
FEMA Region II Hurricane Program Manager Chris Moore leads the conversation on topics such as tropical cyclone climatology, hurricane hazards and information sources to help individuals and communities prepare for the 2019 hurricane season.

Emotional Impacts of Infection Control Measures on Older Adults
This webinar provides an overview on the emotional impacts of COVID-19 protocols, such as quarantine and lockdowns, on older adults. Guest speakers from Americares lead the discussion. Learn strategies on how to support the emotional well-being of senior citizens who are affected. Available in Spanish.

Addressing Mental Health during COVID-19 for K-12 Students
This webinar offers ways to support the mental health of students in grades K-12 as they deal with the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Karina Aguilar, Assistant Regional Administrator, Region II Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration leads the discussion. In this webinar you will learn the symptoms and warning signs of depression, anxiety and how to help families and communities better manage these changes during challenging times. Available in Spanish.

COVID-19 Mask Considerations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face mask to slow the spread of COVID-19. Representatives from Duke University discuss their technique for measuring face mask efficacy and preliminary results from a range of common face mask types. This webinar also discusses why some people with disabilities may not be able to wear a face mask, and the legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. *This webinar provides general guidance. None of the content is implied to be taken as legal advice*

From Transit Station to Workstation: Considerations for Returning to Work During COVID-19
Are we ready to open? What is my commute going to be like? Is the building safe? For this webinar FEMA has partnered with the Government Services Administration, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and NJ TRANSIT to address best practices for returning to work safely. This session features subject matter experts from the agencies who provide the essential services needed to accomplish this mission.

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Role in Caribbean Hurricane Preparedness During COVID-19
There is a need for health and social services stakeholders to better understand HHS programs during a public health emergency. This webinar provides an overview of ASPR during a federally-declared emergency. ASPR describes what HHS programs become activated during a PHE, how federal agencies coordinate response, and the unique context of response during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. ASPR also shared lessons learned from the hurricanes Irma and Maria. Available in Spanish.

Americares – Grief and Losses During the COVID-19 Crisis
Grief is a natural reaction to loss and a complex process that is different for everyone. This webinar reviews the stages of grief, provides strategies on how to cope and ways to support individuals during this process. Available in Spanish.

Stress Management Related to Isolation, Social Distancing, and Quarantine
Social distancing is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 but can have significant impacts on mental health. Certain groups, such as individuals with preexisting mental health conditions and healthcare workers, are experiencing high levels of stress during the time. In this webinar, AmeriCares discusses stress management strategies for adults and children. Available in Spanish.

Puerto Rico SBA – CARES Act in Spanish
This webinar featured representatives from the Small Business Association (SBA) of Puerto Rico who explained the CARES act and how it affects your small business. The presenters will provide an overview of the Paycheck Protection Program or PPP and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advances among other benefits. An additional session focused on the agricultural sector.

The Continuous Improvement Process: How Your Organization Can Document Lessons Learned from COVID-19
Continuous Improvement (CI) can improve operational and programmatic outcomes by building upon what is going well and correcting what needs to be fixed. Learn what it takes to conduct CI related activitie, including how to prepare for and facilitate an After-Action Review. Features representatives from the CI team who also provide real-world examples. Available in Spanish.

Avoiding COVID-19 Cyber Threats
This webinar provided information about various COVID-19 related cyber threats including targeting of remote access services, distribution of phishing campaigns, and compromised websites. Krista Valenzuela, Cyber Threat Intelligence and Analysis Bureau, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell covers best practices and provides recommendations to reduce victimization. Available in Spanish.

Emergency Preparedness for Small Businesses During COVID-19
This webinar was delivered in partnership with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, PSE&G, Foray CPA and FEMA to talk about minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on your business, stay safe, and even stay in operation during a pandemic. Learn about Continuity of Operations, reconstitution, and After-Action Reports as they pertain to COVID-19 and more.

Helping Children Cope During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out emotional reactions in children that may be difficult to cope with. This webinar discusses strategies and activities to promote positive coping in childern. Yvonne Muzquiz from AmeriCares Hurricane Harvey response is the featured speaker.

Helping Children Cope During COVID-19 in Spanish
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out emotional reactions in children that may be difficult to cope with.This webinar discusses strategies and activities to promote positive coping in childern. Dr. Ivelisse Morales from AmeriCares Puerto Rico is the featured speaker. Delivered in Spanish

Houses of Worship Emergency Planning and Reconstitution: A Pastor’s Perspective
Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett of the Jones Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, discusses her experience as a medical doctor – and pastor – in preparing her congregation for emergencies, including pandemics, disasters and reconstitution.

Avoiding Financial Scams during COVID-19
Learn how fraudulent people are using the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to take advantage of others and how to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Cristina Miranda, FTC, shares resources to to help address these deceptive actions and Kelly LoTempio from the SBA Buffalo District Office provides information on SBA Assistance programs.

Avoiding Financial Scams during COVID-19 in Spanish
Learn how fraudulent people are using the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to take advantage of others and how to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Cristina Miranda and Rosario Mendez from the FTC share resources to help address these deceptive actions. Delivered in Spanish

Planning Considerations for Reconstitution in Spanish
FEMA National Continuity Programs can help you and your organization make informed decisions on how to plan for and return to operations once it is safe to do so. This webinar discusses factors to consider and provides ideas on how to accomplish bringing resources back to the workplace while. Delivered in Spanish

SBA - Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
District Deputy Director Victoria Reynolds, from the SBA Buffalo District Office, explains the CARES Act and how it affects small businesses in addition to programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance.

Planning for Houses of Worship and Best Practices during COVID-19
During this webinar speakers from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness/Interfaith Advisory Council, New York Disaster Interfaith Services and New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters discuss the importance of emergency operations and continuity planning for Houses of Worship. Guest speakers from The Jones Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church and United Sikhs offer best practices.

Planning Considerations for Reconstitution
Learn best practices for the reconstitution of operations that will enable organizations to return to normal, or a new normal after an incident. Also learn how FEMA's National Continuity Programs can help support the planning and decision-making process involved.

Protect and Manage Your Finances During Covid-19
Learn how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are providing consumers with information and resources to help protect and manage their finances during the coronavirus pandemic. This webinar features guest speakers Community Affairs Specialist Michele Godfrey, FDIC and Senior Program Coordinator Farah Z. Ahmad, Consumer Education and Engagement, CFPB.

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Role in Caribbean Hurricane Preparedness During COVID-19 (2020)
Learn about the role of the ASPR during a federally declared emergency. Agency representatives describe what programs are activated during a Public Health Emergency and how federal agencies coordinate responses to disasters. Available in Spanish

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (2020)
During a Public Health Emergency there are Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities and waivers to help during the response. CMS described the Medicare and Medicaid programs during a disaster, including Medicaid, Medicare Fee for Service, and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Available in Spanish

Public Health and Primary Care During a Federally Declared Emergency (2020)
This webinar focuses on public health and primary care during a federally declared emergency. Speakers from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed their agencies roles during disasters. Available in Spanish.

The Role of Local Governments During A Federally Declared Emergency in the US Virgin Islands (2020)
Learn more about the role of local governments during a federally declared emergency. Senior Leaders from the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the Commissioner of Health, describe how they prepare for hurricanes, and the unique context of response during COVID-19.

The Role of Social Services and Mental Health During a Federally Declared Emergency (2020)
The last webinar in this series focuses on the role of social services and mental health during a federally declared emergency. The Administration for Children and Families and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describe how they prepare for hurricanes and operate during COVID-19. Available in Spanish.

Medicare and Medicaid Waivers and Flexibilities (2020)
The webinar features the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and their role and the programs they provide during a Public Health Emergency; including Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities and waivers. Examples of these programs during a disaster, include Medicaid, Medicare Fee for Service, and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Available in Spanish.

Psychological Resilience (2020)
This webinar focuses on steps individuals can take in their everyday lives to improve their mental health and personal resilience. These simple, yet powerful practices can help sustain the energy, focus and balance during times of extreme stress. Susan Snyde, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a trainer for the City of Berkeley Community Emergency Response Team is the featured speaker.

Emotional Consequences Of Public Health Emergencies (2020)
Learn about the unique aspects of managing the emotional consequences of public health emergencies and the response required to effectively address them.

Psychological First Aid for CERT (2020)
Join this deep-dive session to learn strategies on how to address psychological stress in yourself, coworkers, or general public during the course of your emergency response.

Trauma-Informed Management of People in Crisis (2019)
What is “trauma” from a psychological standpoint? Find out the answer to this question and how crises effect individuals. Webinar attendees will gain a better understanding of how to recognize signs of stress in coworkers, the general public, or themselves; and develop approaches on how to effectively manage them.

Come Learn Clues on How to Fight the Flu! (2019)
Listen to local and national speakers from Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) teams. MRC is a national network of volunteers including medical and public health professionals, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities in blue skies and disasters. Betty Duggan of the New York City MRC will discuss community efforts around pandemics like the flu and Kristen Lepore of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services will show how municipalities utilize their MRCs and talk about future goals of the program.

Emergencies: Psychological Aspects in the Preparation and Response Phase (2019)
Learn about the importance of psychological preparedness for emergencies and some of the internal factors that influence people to prepare. This webinar features Ingrid Perez, Planning Specialist in the Capacity Building Sector’s Continuity of Operations Unit at the FEMA Caribbean Area Division.

This presentation primarily focuses on why some individuals are more proactive than others when preparing for emergencies and also provides general recommendations to support psychological preparedness.

The Flu: What to do? (2019)
Flu causes outbreaks every year (“seasonal” flu) and pandemics (global epidemics) a few times a century. Despite all of our experience and scientific knowledge and developments with the virus, the flu remains unpredictable and preparing for it is challenging. This webinar features speaker Dr. Stephen Morse, Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Chair of the Columbia University Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2018)
The Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services delivered a presentation on its requirements and waivers for healthcare facilities during an emergency. The material was presented at a Ready Seniors workshop in Rochester, New York.

Vehicular Active Assailant Attacks (2018)
The number of vehicular attacks have increased over the past few years. As attacks of this type can be easily executed it is becoming more challenging for law enforcement and emergency management officials to identify early on. This webinar features speaker Steven Crimando, Director of Training for the Disaster & Terrorism Branch, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services.

Ensuring Emergency Preparedness Planning is Inclusive: Serving Individuals with Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs (2018)
This webinar focuses disaster response as it relates to people with access and functional needs. Learn more about disability awareness training, aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, specific to emergency management, and ensuring an inclusive approach to community preparedness.

New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Virtual Houses of Worship Security Program
FEMA Region II Individual and Community Preparedness Program and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness co-host this webinar. Grant opportunities, preparedness and resources are discussed. DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell Security provide additional information for houses of worship to consider.

Telehealth for Disaster Preparedness
In partnership with FEMA Region II Individual and Community Preparedness, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Connect Care (OCC) presents “Telehealth for Disaster Preparedness.” Representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Connect Care provides an overview of the telehealth, including the VA’s telehealth program, and how government agencies, health systems and individuals can integrate virtual care into their own disaster contingency plans.

You Are the Help Until Help Arrives
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face mask to slow the spread of COVID-19. Representatives from Duke University discuss their technique for measuring face mask efficacy and preliminary results from a range of common face mask types, This webinar also discusses why some people with disabilities may not be able to wear a face mask, and the legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. *This webinar provides general guidance. None of the content is implied to be taken as legal advice*

Prepare to Recover
Learn how you can better prepare for recovery after a disaster. Recovery liaison Kelly Higgs, New Jersey FEMA Integration Team, discusses steps individuals can take to ensure a smoother recovery. This presentation includes lessons learned, myths vs. facts and an overview of FEMA programs to support your recovery efforts.

Mitigation Steps for the Homeowner
Learn steps every homeowner can take to make their home safer and reduce impacts from storms. John Miller, Mitigation, New Jersey FEMA Integration Team, covers a range of mitigation techniques from clearing house gutters to the most complex of actions such as home elevation.

FEMA's Role in Response
FEMA Response Liaison Rob Hutchinson, New Jersey FEMA Integration Team, discusses considerations when coordinating an emergency response including situational awareness, incident management, evacuation and sheltering and search and rescue. Mr. Hutchinson also covers the role of the FEMA Response Division including operational planning and logistics.

Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program (AFG)
Brian S. Thomas, Region II Fire Program Specialist, reviews the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program which includes a brief overview of AFG grants, grant management and grant writing. The grant application development process is also discussed.

Individual and Family Preparedness
Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it calls for "whole community" involvement. By working together, everyone can keep the nation safe from harm and resilient when struck by hazards, such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and pandemics. Region II FEMA Community Preparedness Officer discusses essential preparedness tips and information to keep you, your family and your community safe and prepared for any disaster.

Information and Resources for the Power Dependent Durable Medical Equipment Community (2020)
In this webinar, subject matter experts provide emergency preparedness tips for individuals who are power-dependent due to their use of battery operated durable medical equipment and assistive technology. Presenters offer guidance on how individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs can best prepare for extreme heat events.

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?
Community Asset Mapping (2020)
Learn how to identify community assets and resources and how they can be used to strengthen the community as a whole.

Language Access Resources (2020)
Understand the importance of providing clear public messaging in languages other than English, as appropriate, throughout FEMA’s disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Learn how the FEMA language access program supports disaster survivors, emergency managers, and other federal partners in providing language access during disaster operations and steady state.

Continuity: Why You Should Care And How We Can Help (2020)
Continuity ensures that the whole community plans for ways to provide essential services and conduct those functions when normal operations are disrupted. FEMA National Continuity Programs can support you and your organization in playing a critical role in helping to create a more resilient nation.

Tax Preparation Assistance: Supporting Financial Preparedness for Underserved Populations (2020)
Learn how IRS-sponsored programs can provide underserved communities with free tax filing assistance using IRS certified volunteers. Programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly can make a difference in helping more Americans become financially prepared. Amelia Dalton from the Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications Unit, Internal Revenue Service leads the discussion.

2-1-1: The Community Resource Hub Before, During and After Disasters (2019)
Learn about how 2-1-1 can be a community resource to support every day needs and times of crisis. Kelly Dodd, director of Western New York’s 2-1-1 and Melissa Acree, executive director, New Jersey 2-1-1 Partnership presented on how the service connects community members to resources and how it operates during the response and recovery phases of a disaster. Participants learned how to better connect with 2-1-1 before an event and how it can make their communities more resilient.

Join a Neighborhood Emergency Response Organization (2018)
Learn how to make a difference in your community by joining a local emergency response organization. This webinar offers ways to get involved and highlights best practices from many organizations.

Sharing Inclusive Practices and Approaches to Prepare Communities for Disasters: Core Advisory Group Webinar (2018)
Core Advisory Groups consist of individuals with access and/or functional needs, local emergency managers, other stakeholders, and FEMA staff whose goal is to provide innovative changes to how emergency services are provided in the whole community. Discussion consists of best practices, lessons learned, and potential challenges involved in helping individuals with access and/or functional needs during the response and recovery phases of a disaster.

Inclusive Emergency Management (2017)
Discussion on whole community emergency management, inclusive of individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. This session helps to provide the guidance, tools, methods and strategies needed to establish equal physical, communications, and program access.

Disaster Preparedness for Small Businesses
Small businesses need to be prepared for disasters of any type. Small business owners will learn disaster preparedness tips to help them through the new year and beyond.

SBA Programs and Services (2018)
Learn about U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and resources. District Deputy Director Victoria Reynolds, SBA of Buffalo New York, leads the discussion. Available in Spanish.

Libraries and Non-Traditional Facilities in Emergencies (2019)
Learn about the role non-traditional facilities like libraries and senior centers play in emergencies. Public facilities of this type can be powerful resources during disasters and emergencies.

Topics discusssed in this webinar include how New Jersey integrated their library system into the state emergency disaster plan and how New York City leveraged its public facilities to develop a cooling center network. Speakers include representatives from the New Jersey State Library, New York City Emergency Management and the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness at the New York City Department for the Aging.

CERT Disaster Response Best Practices
The Region II National Preparedness Division in collaboration with the National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Association held a webinar on CERT Disaster Response Best Practices. This webinar featured speakers from CERT programs across the country who have deployed to disasters.

FEMA Corps Making a Difference When it Matters Most (2020)
FEMA Corps is a unique, team-based service program that gives 18‐24‐year‐old participants the opportunity to serve communities impacted by disaster while gaining professional development experience. This webinar offers insight from a FEMA Corps member, an overview of the teams functions including specialty roles/areas and FEMA’s partnership with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps program.

Helping Helpers (2020)
Disaster plans primarily focus on how to help crisis survivors, but who’s helping the helpers? The police, first responders and CERTs who help people get back on their feet after a disaster need help too. Raquelle from FEI Workforce, a company with a long history in enhancing workforce resiliency, offers insights on how to support first responders.

Effective Interpersonal Communications for CERT (2020)
Effective communication skills are the pillars of building relationships, fostering teamwork, and increasing productivity and resilience. Raquelle Solon from FEI Workforce provides information and tools to enhance and improve your communications between each other and for those you serve.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure every American has the resources they need to operate safely and securely online. Features guest speaker from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Cybersecurity and Other Scams Targeting Small Businesses (2020)
Often, after a disaster small businesses become targets for fraudulent scams that claim to provide assistance after an emergency. In this webinar FEMA’s federal partners provide information on different types of scams and how to avoid them. Additional resources are also provided.
Available in Spanish.

Cybersecurity Essentials And General User Awareness (2020)
Learn more about cybersecurity essentials and overall user awareness. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic left many with an increased need for technology. This webinar provides information on system security protection against digital attacks. Features guest speakers from The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Available in Spanish.

Learn How to Strengthen Your Organization’s Cybersecurity (2018)
This webinar provides an overview of incident response resources, hands-on technical assistance, and information sharing resources that are available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community (C3) Voluntary Program.

It also provides an overview of the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), a global, non-profit organization consisting of 7,000+ members from the banking, securities, and insurance industries. This segment also demonstrates how participants can engage with the FS-ISAC network to support crisis planning and response and recovery activities within their own organizations.

Animal Emergency Preparedness: Planning for Your Pets During Disasters Part II (2020)
Including your pet in your family’s disaster preparedness plan is important so that even in a worst case scenario your pet won’t get left behind. This webinar provides an overview of emergency pet preparedness including animal welfare management tips on how to prepare your pet, physically and psychologically, in the event of a disaster.

Animal Emergency Preparedness:Physical and Psychological Planning for Your Pet During Natural Disasters (2020)
Similar to humans, animals can experience significant stress, fear of separation, and threats to their survival when disaster strikes. Learn how animal welfare management can be used to help physically and psychologically prepare your pet for a disaster. Lindsay Mehrkam, Director of the Human-Animal Wellness Collaboratory at Monmouth University discusses community resources and tools for pet owners and animal care professionals.

Cybersecurity Awareness for Individuals and Communities (2019)
Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure everyone has the resources needed to engage in online activity in a safe and secure environment. Learn about personal accountability and the importance of being proactive in enhancing cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. Focus areas include: citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security. This webinar features Region II Cyber Security Advisor Rich Richards.

Pets: Providing Comfort, Sheltering, and Preparedness (2018)
This webinar offers resources to help pet owners prepare their animals for a disaster. Learn about advances in pet housing at evacuation shelters, how therapy dogs can help meet the needs of disaster survivors, and more.

Active Shooter Exercise Toolkit for USVI Houses of Worship
This workshop walks participants through how to respond to an active shooter situation and how to run an active shooter tabletop exercise using the Active Shooter Toolkit. The USVI Police Department provided practical information on survival and response, followed by a FEMA Region II staff-led discussion on how to use the Toolkit; enabling houses of worship to run their own exercises with little to no previous exercise experience.

How to Avoid Disaster Fraud After and Emergency (2020)
Learn about consumer fraud, how to avoid it, and how to identity theft after a disaster. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) covers different types of scams that present themselves after natural disasters and other emergencies like a pandemic. Cristina Miranda from the FTC shares free resources from the FTC and other organizations that provide assistance to disaster fraud victims. Available in Spanish.

Protecting our Communities: Signs of Terrorism, What to Look For and How to Help Law Enforcement (2020)
Learn about the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) Suspicious Activity Reporting System (NJSARS) and how they define suspicious activity, show how law enforcement and the public can identify suspicious behavior and discuss the best way to report that information. Participants will also learn about the indicators used to classify leads, how information is routed through NJSARS and more. David Kanig, NJOHSP, is the featured speaker.

Active Shooter Exercise Toolkit for Houses of Worship (2020)
Learn how houses of worship can enhance emergency preparedness capabilities using The Active Shooter Exercise Toolkit, a resource that supports safety and security committee members, interfaith preparedness organizations and/or local first responder agencies. Through a variety of materials, houses of worship can learn how to conduct their own tabletop exercise with little or no previous exercise experience.

Human Trafficking: The Hidden Crime (2020)
This webinar features a subject matter expert from Homeland Security Investigations tasked with investigating and dismantling human tracking efforts throughout the country. Human trafficking is a hidden crime and it can happen in any community; victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality. The first step to fighting the battle is to identify victims so they can be rescued and help bring offenders to justice. Education and awareness is the route to a safer community.

The Active Shooter on Campus (2019)
This webinar features Lt. Paul Giardino who delivers a presentation on active shooter scenario safety and lessons learned for institutes of higher learning. The discussion covers how individuals should keep themselves safe in an active shooter scenario, what higher education organizations should have in their emergency operations plans, considerations for those who have access and functional needs, and how to recognize and report signs of potential terrorism. Lt. Giardino also discusses lessons learned in response and planning from previous incidents.

Preparedness Planning for Tsunamis in the Northeast
Tsunami experts from the University of Rhode Island, University of Delaware, and the Northeast States Emergency Consortium provide an overview of how a tsunami forms in the North Atlantic Basin and its potential threats to the east coast. Mapping tools to help you plan and prepare for this hazard, including the availability for use in HAZUS, to support planning for impacts to east coast communities.

Emergency Operation Planning for Houses of Worship in USVI
This webinar gives attendees a closer look into emergency planning for houses of worship. Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett of the Jones Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church shares step-by-step guidance on how to develop an emergency operations plan for houses of worship. Participants were able to start their own emergency operation plan using a provided template.

Earthquake Preparedness: International ShakeOut Day
This webinar features guest speakers from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Puerto Rico Seismic Network who discuss the background and impact of earthquakes and tsunamis in Region II, specifically in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. How to update emergency plans, supplies, and how to prevent damage and injury is also discussed. Available in Spanish.

Preparing for National Preparedness Month (2020)
National Preparedness Month (NPM), is recognized annually in the month of September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. Hear from FEMA HQ staff about this year’s themes and the online tools to help you plan your activities. Featured guest speakers: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and New York City Emergency Management.

Enjoying the Rocket’s Red Glare: Firework Safety for Large Public Events (2019)
This webinar featured Chief Joseph Meyers, head of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Explosives Unit. The presentation covered how the FDNY and partners oversee safety and logistics on large public firework events like the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® through emergency planning and cross-governmental collaboration.

Flood Insurance – It's Importance, Upcoming Changes and More (2019)
This webinar featured Carolyn Kousky, PhD, Wharton Risk Center, Tony Hake, Director of Risk Insurance Division, FEMA, and Brian Kempf, Secretary and Legislative Committee Chair of the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management.

The presentation covered the important role of flood insurance in families and communities recovering from disasters, the consequences of not being insured for homeowners and businesses, the outlook of private flood insurance, upcoming changes to the National Flood Insurance Program risk and rating policies, and finally, the FEMA Community Rating System and how this makes communities safer while providing discounts to NFIP flood policyholders.

Due to technical issues, this recording does not have sound. Closed captioning is included on the recording and the full transcript is available for download.

Youth Preparedness and Best Practices (2020)
FEMA Region II, along with guest speakers from the State of New Jersey, Burlington, Middlesex and Salem counties discuss how they engage youth in preparedness. Each speaker highlights programs that have proven successful including Youth Preparedness Councils, Teen CERT, Preparedness Summer Camps and more.

Safe Learning for Kids (2020)
As schools reopen with a virtual learning component, students are spending more time online and are vulnerable to cyber threats. Guest speakers from the Federal Trade Commission discuss cybersecurity for children and offer tips on dealing with cyberbullying. A guest speaker from the Administration for Children and Families discusses how to prepare students for returning to the classroom in a COVID-19 environment.

Youth Can Help with Preparedness
National Preparedness Month is held every September to promote the way families and communities engage in disaster and emergency planning. One of this year's themes was “Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters.” This webinar includes discussion on how Youth Preparedness Councils (YPCs) can have an impact on improving community resilience and how new emergency and disaster readiness tools and programs geared toward kids are now available online.

Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a joint publication from Operation Hope and FEMA, can help you reduce the financial impact of disasters on you and your family. This product provides financial advice on managing finances, insights on your credit score, and sets expectations on what do in the event of a disaster. This webinar will walk you through the process of becoming financially prepared for all hazards. Additional resources are available at Ready.gov. Available in Spanish.

A New Approach to Financial Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery
Guest speaker Lance Triggs, Operation Hope, provides an overview of the program’s mission and purpose including how Operation Hope became involved in disaster response. This presentation also includes the program’s service model and a discussion on program impacts.

Planning Your Financial Future (2019)
This webinar discusses the typical roadblocks to saving money, how to deal with them, techniques to improve your savings practices, reduce debt, and the importance of investing. Note:This training not provide specific financial or investment advice.

Powerful Presentations: Deep Dive Session on Introductions
This webinar is part of a series of communications series that cover techniques to improve public speaking skills on topics in emergency management. This session focuses on how to open a presentation with a well thought-out introduction and how to pique interest with your first words,

Amateur "HAM" Radio for Emergency Managers
Learn how an amateur or “HAM” radio can be a useful tool before, during and after disasters. “HAM” radio has proven to be indispensable in the aftermath of major hurricanes such as Katrina, Irma and Maria and has historically been a valuable resource in the Response and Recovery phases of many disasters. “HAM” service provides viable communications when standard public safety and commercial telecommunications infrastructure has been severely impacted. This webinar helps to establish a NIMS compliant, AUXCOMM (Auxiliary Communications) program as part of your Emergency Operation Plan.

Powerful Presentations: Communication Fundamentals to Fully Engage an Audience
Improve your public speaking skills and learn how to effectively engage an audience. Learn techniques to improve presentation skills through audience role play.

Create Messaging that Sticks and Helps Inspire Action (2020)
Convincing people to plan for and protect themselves from devastating events is not an easy task. Dealing with threats with low probability and high impact can result in indifference to dealing with associated risks. Raising awareness by simply providing information is not enough.

Effective Communications (2020)
In this webinar you will learn about “plain language” writing and the basic principles of writing clear communications for your audience. This session provides an overview of changes in technology, specifically virtual platforms, that can present accessibility challenges (i.e. language access). Subject matter experts from FEMA and the community provide invaluable insight, information and resources to assist participants in advancing the goal of Inclusive Emergency Management.

Effective Accessible Communications: Part II (2020)
This one hour webinar provided resources for print, TV and radio communication strategies and offer specific tools to help you write for your audience. This webinar explored solutions to the accessibility challenges virtual platforms can present. Subject matter experts from FEMA and the community provided invaluable insight, information and resources to assist participants in advancing the goal of Inclusive Emergency Management.