r/fema Jul 17 '24

Moderators Welcome to /r/FEMA! Please read before participating in this community!

16 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/FEMA!

We are glad to have you here in our community! Now under new moderation, this subreddit is focused on announcements and activities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the field of emergency management, and other related topics. Before you dive in, please take a moment to review the following disclaimer and subreddit rules to ensure a positive and productive experience for all members. We also encourage you to check out /r/EmergencyManagement to learn more about other entities and aspects of emergency management, or r/AmeriCorps to learn more about serving with FEMA Corps or other organizations focused in disaster response.

 DISCLAIMER:

This subreddit and its moderators are NOT official representatives of DHS, FEMA, or the U.S. federal government as a whole. Additionally, this subreddit is NOT endorsed, or supported, by FEMA's External Affairs.

Views and opinions expressed here are the individual's own and do not represent this subreddit or FEMA collectively. No comments or support from users here is to ever be taken as official.

r/FEMA RULES:

  1. Stay on Topic: Please keep posts and comments relevant to FEMA and emergency management. Off-topic posts will be removed. Repeated offenses will result in harsher consequences.
  2. No Abusive or Toxic Behavior: Abuse, harassment, or any kind of discrimination towards an individual or group of people will not be tolerated. Additionally, while constructive criticism/feedback is encouraged, complaints will little to no substance are not allowed.
  3. Do NOT share Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Posting your own or another person's classified/sensitive information is strictly prohibited on this sub, and it also goes against (Reddit's Content Policy)[https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy\]. PII includes, but is not limited to, physical addresses, phone numbers, emails, personal social media accounts, etc.
  4. No Emergency or Case Review Requests: This subreddit isn't equipped to assist in emergencies, so please contact the appropriate local authorities or emergency services if needed. This is also not the place to ask for cases or grants to be reviewed, as this subreddit is not an official support channel for FEMA. Any posts or comments asking for such will be removed.
  5. No Conspiracy Theories, Disproven Claims, or Misinformation: Outlandish claims made about FEMA, another organization/agency, a group of people, or individual person will not be tolerated. There are other subreddits for that, but this one is not one of them.
  6. Cite Reputable Sources: When sharing information, please provide credible sources whenever possible. Furthermore, make sure anything that is a rumor or unconfirmed is stated as such.
  7. Use Descriptive Titles: Please make sure post titles are clear and describe the content accurately. This helps other users understand the topic quickly, which may get you quicker/detailed responses.
  8. No Reposts or Duplicated Content: Reposts, repetitive content, and frequently asked questions will be removed, so please use the search function before posting as your question may have already been answered. When breaking/large news items are released, a megathread will be selected with priority given to the first post, the most accurate title, or the one with the most engagement. All other related posts will be removed and directed to the megathread.
  9. Keep All Content Safe For Work (SFW): Submissions must be SFW. Violent or sexual content, including, but not limited to, death, explicit content, gore, or content sexualizing/dehumanizing real people or fictional characters is not allowed.
  10. No Promoting, Begging, Baiting, or Selling: This subreddit does not allow any kind of solicitation, including asking for free items or services. Additionally, any kind of promotion (including free giveaways) is prohibited. This includes the promoting of personal blogs, websites, social media, fundraisers, etc.
  11. Report Inappropriate Content: If you come across content that violates these rules or the subreddit's spirit, report it to the moderators immediately. Please help us keep the subreddit a welcoming and friendly place for everyone!
  12. Moderator Discretion Policy: Moderators have the authority to remove any post that violates the rules of the subreddit, or of Reddit itself. This is used when the rule violation may not be covered explicitly, but the content is deemed inappropriate for the subreddit.

Once again, thanking you for joining our community! We look forward to seeing your contributions and discussions. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please reach out to the mods via the subreddit's modmail so that we can address them. Happy posting!


r/fema Jul 02 '24

Employment Join FEMA as a Career - FEMA Corps - FEMA Reserves - USAJobs

6 Upvotes

Welcome!

One of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is, "How do I get into Emergency Management?" or "How can I join FEMA?" The paths to a career in emergency management, particularly within FEMA, are varied and offer multiple entry points. Below, I'll outline several key routes you can take to get started:

1. FEMA Corps

Recommended: for High school graduates, and College Students/ Graduates

https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-nccc/fema-corps

FEMA Corps is a special partnership between FEMA and the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). It's a full-time, team-based residential program designed for individuals aged 18-24 who are interested in emergency management and disaster response. Members serve for 10 months, during which they receive extensive training, leadership development, and hands-on experience working alongside FEMA professionals.

This program provides a solid foundation in the field of emergency management while allowing members to contribute directly to disaster response and recovery efforts.

Upon successfully completing their service, FEMA Corps members are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. This award can be used to pay for college tuition, vocational training, or to pay off existing student loans.

Members receive a modest living allowance to cover basic expenses during their service term, allowing them to focus on their duties without financial worries. They are also provided with basic healthcare benefits, ensuring they can maintain their health and well-being while serving.

Housing accommodations are provided during the service term, relieving members of the burden of finding and paying for a place to live.

FEMA Corps members travel across the country, often to disaster-affected areas. This provides a unique opportunity to see different regions and understand the diverse challenges communities face in disaster situations.

Additionally, members have the chance to build a professional network within FEMA and the broader emergency management community, which can be valuable for future career opportunities and professional growth.

2. FEMA Reserves (Reservist Program)

https://www.fema.gov/careers/paths/reservists

The FEMA Reservist Program is a critical component of FEMA's disaster workforce. Reservists are on-call employees who travel to disaster sites when needed and provide essential services to help communities recover. The Reservist Program offers a flexible way to get involved, as reservists are only activated during emergencies and can maintain other jobs or responsibilities during non-disaster times. FEMA also offers a Referral Program, allowing current FEMA employees to recommend candidates for the Reservist Program, which can help streamline the hiring process.

There is also a Referral Program that is an alternate process to get into the reserves Please Feel Free to Message u/commanderaze or Check comments / Comment below your interest and someone can send you the referral paperwork/process.

3. USAJOBS

https://www.usajobs.gov/search/results/?l=&k=FEMA

USAJOBS is the federal government's official employment site, posting most FEMA job openings. Creating a profile on USAJOBS allows you to search for FEMA positions and apply directly online. Positions range from entry-level to senior management and cover a wide array of specialties, including emergency management, logistics, public affairs, finance, and more. It’s essential to regularly monitor USAJOBS and set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities as they arise.

4. Monitoring LinkedIn for Unposted Jobs

While USAJOBS is the primary platform for federal job listings, it's also beneficial to monitor LinkedIn for job postings and networking opportunities. Many organizations, including FEMA contractors, recruiters, and partners, may post job openings on LinkedIn that are not listed on USAJOBS. Additionally, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for connecting with professionals in the field, joining relevant groups, and staying updated on industry news and events. Networking on LinkedIn can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised through traditional channels.

Each of these routes offers unique advantages and can help you build a rewarding career in emergency management. Whether you're looking for a structured program like FEMA Corps, the flexibility of the Reservist Program, or the broad opportunities available through USAJOBS and LinkedIn, there's a path for everyone. Take the time to explore these options and find the one that best aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.

There are also several people out there who are offering free or paid assistance in Writing a Federal Resume for any of these processes It may be worth looking into getting advice as Federal Resumes are not the same as Private sector resumes.

As Always please feel free to ask questions in the comments below!


r/fema 2d ago

Discussion Come back to FEMA as a reservist?

12 Upvotes

Has anyone left a full time position with FEMA and became a reservist? I left FEMA under a year ago and I’m itching to come back but in a different capacity. I have FEMA Corps experience along with HQ experience.


r/fema 1d ago

Question Deployment Renewal Taking 4 Ever

2 Upvotes

Got deployed for 15 days. The disaster has asked for an extension of 90 days and still has not heard anything. I am 5 days away from last day. Could this have to do with my NTE?


r/fema 2d ago

Discussion FLSA Overtime Back Pay Question

5 Upvotes

This is pretty much an FYI, but I welcome anyone who wants to weigh in on which option is better.

I opened my email this morning to find an email from OCHCO stating that a FLSA review of my deployment records was conducted, and found that I was owed backpay. Not much, a couple hundred bucks.

It also says I have two options - one is to accept the estimate as a lump sum, and the other is to request that the NFC process and recalculate my back pay. The second option can take at least 180 days to process; the first takes 30 days.

Given that it's not a huge amount of money and I wasn't expecting it anyway, I'll probably go with the first option. But I'm curious to know what would come of the second option.


r/fema 5d ago

Article Judge rules FEMA CFO’s firing was illegal

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89 Upvotes

r/fema 4d ago

Employment Are any cadres hiring reservists?

8 Upvotes

Is anyone aware of upcoming openings in any cadres? So far I have seen postings for IT, log, and planning. I was wondering if people are hearing of potential hiring in their cadres. Also any idea of timing?

Thank you in advance for any feedback and advice. I worked for local EM and just completed my degree. I am anxious to start a career with FEMA even if times are tough right now.


r/fema 5d ago

Employment Has anyone tried negotiating their salary as a reservist?

2 Upvotes

I think I want to negotiate my pay, as I have a masters degree and 5 years of relevant experience. The amount I will be paid isn’t that bad, but I do think I could do better. Ideally , I’d like to ask for the $35-$40/hour range.

Has anyone had any success negotiating their pay as a reservist? I’m nervous about them rescinding their offer.


r/fema 9d ago

Discussion Performance bonuses have started

18 Upvotes

They've been saying that they would come.

They are coming, but there will be taxes withheld from the amount listed on sf50


r/fema 17d ago

Question How much does FEMA reservist housing cost approximately?

1 Upvotes

I know we get provided a per diem, but in your experience, how much did lodging cost you when you were deployed?


r/fema 18d ago

Article Guam braces for Super Typhoon Bavi, which may hit at Category 5 hurricane strength

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37 Upvotes

I hope everyone is safe.


r/fema 20d ago

Employment FEMA corps is back! Apply today!

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95 Upvotes

r/fema 20d ago

Training Disaster Field Training Operations Reservist Position

8 Upvotes

If you’re trying to become a reservist for FEMA, which many people aren’t doing right now, please avoid applying for the training specialist position. It's the worst mistake I made. You’ll never be deployed. Do it if you need FEMA on your resume, but other than that, spare yourself the turmoil of that Cadre.


r/fema 26d ago

Article FEMA official who said he teleported to a Waffle House steps away from post

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washingtonpost.com
74 Upvotes

Gregg Phillips, the head of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, is stepping away from his role due to intensifying controversies surrounding his past public statements and growing concerns over how he is publicly perceived.

While the official statement from the Department of Homeland Security notes he is taking leave for personal reasons, internal sources indicate his departure was not voluntary. The primary drivers behind the decision include:

  • Bizarre Podcast Claims: Phillips drew heavy national scrutiny after a CNN investigation revealed comments he made on conservative podcasts. Most notably, he claimed he had once been teleported against his will to a Waffle House in Georgia. He also suggested that COVID-19 and its vaccines were engineered to kill people.
  • Violent Rhetoric and Online Posts: Lawmakers flagged past comments where Phillips stated he wanted to punch former President Joe Biden in the mouth and that Biden deserved to die. He also faced backlash for disparaging comments about immigrants and insulting online posts targeting lawmakers.
  • Lack of Traditional Qualifications: Appointed in December, Phillips faced criticism from Democrats and emergency management experts for having no professional background in large-scale disaster relief management. His background was primarily rooted in human services and conservative activism, notably promoting unsubstantiated voter fraud theories.
  • Congressional Pressure and Leadership Shifts: His departure follows a period of intense scrutiny on FEMA. Phillips recently missed a scheduled appearance before the House Homeland Security Committee where lawmakers intended to question him under oath about his fitness for the job. Additionally, newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has been restructuring agency operations and reversing previous directives.

You can watch a brief breakdown of his controversial podcast remarks in this FEMA official's Waffle House teleportation claim video, which highlights the specific statements that triggered widespread scrutiny from lawmakers.


r/fema 28d ago

Discussion So are we not going to talk about the CORE memo?

39 Upvotes

There’s definitely some concerning language. I figured people would want to talk about it.


r/fema 29d ago

Discussion 30% cap on performance review

26 Upvotes

So how does this all work out?

Does SOR get to choose the top performers?

Will favoritism play a part in picking the 30%?

So many questions and not enough answers.


r/fema 29d ago

Question Corrected SF-50s with different NTE dates

14 Upvotes

Did any COREs that had NTEs up this year get a new SF-50 with a different NTE? Some people got corrected ones that made the NTE date earlier or later.


r/fema Jun 21 '26

Employment What are people doing about references?

19 Upvotes

I am applying for non FEMA jobs and am running into an issue regarding references. I don’t currently have anyone internal to use. How are people handling requests for references when all of their former ones are no longer at the agency/working bc of the events of the past year? The people who can vouch for my skills and accomplishments on milestone projects are unemployed. Any suggestions on how to handle this are appreciated. I don’t want a lack of references at the agency to be the thing that holds me back in moving my career in a different direction. I really am looking for the stability that I just don’t see at FEMA in the coming years.


r/fema Jun 17 '26

Article Trump’s FEMA nominee says disaster agency should ‘strike a new balance’ to save money

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46 Upvotes

r/fema Jun 17 '26

Article Tropical Storm Watch issued for Texas coast for what could become Arthur

20 Upvotes

r/fema Jun 12 '26

Discussion Super El Nino 2026?

22 Upvotes

I've been reading online that this year is predicted to be a Super El Nino year? This would mean less hurricanes and increased flooding in CA and TX? What has your experience been with Super El Nino years? Do you think these disasters (if occurred) could be big enough for declarations and deployments?


r/fema Jun 10 '26

Article How Trump’s Cuts to FEMA and NWS Are Leaving Communities Defenseless Against Extreme Weather Disasters

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americanprogress.org
62 Upvotes

r/fema Jun 10 '26

Discussion AI use in the field?

13 Upvotes

Has anyone used DHS Chat in an actual disaster yet? I'd love to hear what/how/how often you're using it. Personally I haven't used it as anything more than an untrustworthy Ctrl-F function, but I'm curious what everyone else is doing (if anything).


r/fema Jun 05 '26

Discussion How do you have a family within the operational cadre?

11 Upvotes

I really love the idea of disaster response operations and being both boots on the ground initially, moving into a role more like boris/legasov from chernobyl long term...but I just dont see how you can have a family being deployed for 300+ days a year.

Does that kind of deployment time continue as you move up the operational chain? I could do 300+ day deployments for 4 or 5 years, but it would be very tough to still not have a family come 10 years from now or have one and be away from them literally all year. Just seems really tough to reconcile


r/fema Jun 04 '26

Question Are any reservists getting deployed or does this seem suspicious?

11 Upvotes

So, I was approved for an RA last September. I left the disaster at the end of October due to a family emergency and recommendation from my coworker and supervisor who both said I needed bereavement time. Is anyone getting deployed or does this seem suspicious that right after my RA was approved....I stopped getting deployment requests?