Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the Continuity Guidance Circular (CGC) following a nationwide, whole community effort to review and revise the guidance . The CGC guides efforts to develop and maintain the capability to ensure continuity of operations, continuity of government, and enduring constitutional government during an emergency that disrupts normal operations . Development and maintenance of continuity capabilities helps build and sustain a more resilient nation that is equipped to sustain essential functions and core capabilities and deliver critical services under all conditions.

The CGC describes federal and non-federal continuity efforts; outlines whole community continuity roles, responsibilities, and coordinating structures; and describes the process for building and maintaining capabilities to ensure the performance of essential functions and delivery of critical services and core capabilities.

Organizations and governments at all levels can draw upon the CGC as a reference when creating or revising continuity plans, programs, and processes. Many jurisdictions and organizations already have an existing continuity program and plan, and will use the Circular to refine capabilities and processes. 

To read the Continuity Guidance Circular and obtain additional information, visit www.fema.gov/continuity-guidance-circular . Additional inquiries can be directed to FEMA-CGC@fema.dhs.gov .

FEMA offers training, technical assistance, and outreach to assist organizations and governments develop and maintain a continuity plan and program and implement the concepts found within the CGC.  The Continuity Resource Toolkit, found at www.fema.gov/continuity-resource-toolkit , contains these additional tools, templates, and resources.  

There is just over a week left to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).

Encourage a young person you know to apply by March 30, 2018. The YPC is open to students in 8th-11th grade across the Nation. If you know a good candidate, please tell them to apply.

As a member of the YPC, youth can:

• Design and conduct local and national projects;
• Add a youth viewpoint on emergency preparedness;
• Help prepare their local area for emergencies; and
• Give input to FEMA leadership and staff.

Adults working with youth should share the application . Youth should submit a complete form , provide two letters of recommendation, and their academic records.

Applications are due March 30, 2018 . For more information,  visit the Youth Preparedness Council website .

Last week, Bracken Engineering received the 2017 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Outstanding Private Sector Initiatives.

FEMA Region 4 presented the award to William Bracken of Bracken Engineering during a company-training event. The company created the largest second responder staff in the country. They even paid staff to receive emergency response training.

“Due to Mr. Bracken's efforts and generosity, his employees have donated hundreds of hours assisting FEMA, states, counties, local building departments, and first responders,” said Candace Burrell, Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 4. “Your dedication to preparedness serves as an inspiration to all of us.”

For more information on the ICP Awards, visit Ready.gov/awards . To learn more about William Bracken, watch this video .

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlights April as Financial Capability Month with its  PrepTalk video release on April 3.

FE MA's PrepTalks work to spread new ideas, spark conversation, and promote innovative leadership for the issues confronting emergency managers.

The PrepTalk on April 3 features John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation Hope . He will discuss financial literacy and overcoming liquid asset poverty. Operation Hope is the largest not-for-profit provider of financial literacy and capability for youth and adults.

FEMA encourages emergency managers to watch these PrepTalk presentations with relevant partners. Visit FEMA.gov/PrepTalks for more information.

PrepTalks are a partnership between FEMA, the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association, the National Homeland Security Consortium, and the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.