The wait is over! The application period for the 2017 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward strengthening their community to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate a disaster.

To be considered for this year's awards, all applications must be sent to fema-icp-awards@fema.dhs.gov  by May 30, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EDT and feature program activities occurring between January 1, 2016 and May 30, 2017. For more information on how to apply, visit: http://www.ready.gov/preparedness-awards .

Learn how to keep your home safe from wildfires with tips from the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Communities Program and then take part in a nationwide effort for wildfire preparedness.

On Saturday, May 6, participate in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day by clearing your property of dried leaves, branches and other items that may fuel a wildfire .

Firewise recommends landscaping principles to minimize damage and prevent losses, such as:

• Clear needles, leaves and other debris from the roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks.
• Remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.
• Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity, and don't let debris and lawn cuttings linger.
• Fire can spread to tree tops. If you have tall trees on your property, prune low hanging branches six to ten feet from the ground and for smaller trees, prune low hanging branches no more than a third of the tree's height. Remove tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.

For more information, read the “ How to Prepare for a Wildfire ” guide. 

You can use National Small Business Week, April 30 – May 6, to prepare your organization for a variety of emergencies like fires, floods, cyber threats, and other disasters.

Start by completing a Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan from the Small Business Administration (SBA).The SBA also highlights other resources to help you protect employees, lessen the financial impact of disasters, and quickly re-open.

Use these Resources

• Create a preparedness program for your business
• Identify critical business systems
• Create an emergency communications plan
• Test your business systems
• Enroll in the Red Cross Ready Rating Program
• Build a disaster preparedness kit

For more information on disaster assistance, loan programs, and emergency preparedness for small businesses visit the SBA Emergency Preparedness page.