The Lead: August 2025 Crisis Communications Media Report
- Sarah Lux
- Sep 11, 2025
- 23 min read
July 31 - August 6, 2025
FEDERAL FEMA FLOOD HAZARD DETERMINATION UPDATES
Summary: The Federal Emergency Management Agency published multiple flood hazard determination updates in the Federal Register this week, including changes affecting communities across various states. These determinations modify flood insurance rate maps and flood hazard designations for specific geographic areas, directly impacting insurance requirements, building codes, and development restrictions in affected communities. The regulatory changes represent ongoing efforts by FEMA to maintain accurate flood risk assessments as climate patterns and development conditions evolve.
Relevance: These flood hazard determination changes are critical for emergency management professionals as they directly affect hazard mitigation planning, community preparedness strategies, and response capabilities. Emergency managers must update their flood response plans, evacuation routes, and resource allocation based on revised flood zones. For public information professionals, these changes require coordinated communication campaigns to inform affected residents about new insurance requirements, building restrictions, and safety measures. The updates also necessitate collaboration with local media, real estate professionals, and community organizations to ensure accurate information dissemination about flood risks and regulatory compliance requirements.
FCC EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE REFORM REVIEW
Summary: The Federal Communications Commission scheduled its August 7, 2025, open meeting to consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will re-examine the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from the ground up. This comprehensive review represents the most significant examination of emergency alerting infrastructure in years, potentially affecting how emergency information reaches the public during critical situations. The notice examines expanding authorized alert originators beyond current government entities to include utility companies for immediate hazard notifications about power outages, gas leaks, or water supply dangers, and explores machine-to-machine alerting capabilities.
Relevance: This FCC initiative directly impacts both emergency management and public information professionals by potentially restructuring the primary systems used for emergency communications. Emergency managers rely heavily on EAS and WEA systems for rapid public notification during disasters, severe weather events, and other emergencies. Changes to these systems could affect alert timing, message formatting, geographic targeting, and delivery reliability. The potential expansion to utility companies would create new coordination requirements between emergency managers and private sector infrastructure operators. Public information professionals would need to adapt communication strategies, message development processes, and coordination protocols to align with new system capabilities. The reform could introduce new technologies, improve accessibility features, and enhance message customization, requiring updated training and operational procedures across both industries.
FLORIDA EXTENDS IMMIGRATION EMERGENCY DECLARATION
Summary: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 2025-153 on July 31, 2025, extending Executive Order 23-03 related to emergency management measures concerning illegal immigration. This extension continues the state's declared emergency status regarding immigration issues, maintaining enhanced coordination between state and federal agencies, expanded law enforcement capabilities, and continued resource allocation for border security and immigration-related challenges. The order demonstrates ongoing state-level emergency management responses to federal immigration policy issues.
Relevance: This executive order extension affects emergency management operations by maintaining heightened preparedness postures, resource deployment protocols, and interagency coordination mechanisms specifically related to immigration enforcement and border security issues. Emergency managers must continue operating under modified procedures that accommodate enhanced law enforcement activities and potential population movement scenarios. For public information professionals, the extended emergency declaration requires ongoing communication strategies to inform the public about policy impacts, available resources, and procedural changes. The order also necessitates careful messaging coordination between state and federal agencies to ensure consistent public information while managing politically sensitive topics that affect community relations and public safety communications.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AWARENESS MONTH DESIGNATION
Summary: August 2025 marks the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month, as designated by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). This nationwide recognition campaign aims to demonstrate emergency management capabilities, highlight the critical role of emergency management professionals, and promote public awareness of preparedness, response, and recovery activities. The designation represents a coordinated industry-wide effort to elevate the profile of emergency management and educate the public about disaster preparedness and resilience building.
Relevance: This national awareness campaign creates significant opportunities and responsibilities for both industries throughout August. Emergency management professionals are participating in coordinated awareness activities, educational outreach programs, and capability demonstrations that showcase their critical role in community safety and resilience. The campaign provides a platform for enhanced public engagement, stakeholder education, and professional development initiatives. Public information professionals are leveraging this designation to develop comprehensive communication campaigns, media engagement strategies, and community outreach programs that highlight emergency preparedness messages. The awareness month creates opportunities for increased media coverage, public education initiatives, and stakeholder engagement that can improve overall community preparedness and support for emergency management programs.
FEMA NATIONAL BUSINESS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER INFORMATION COLLECTION EXTENSION
Summary: The Federal Emergency Management Agency published a 30-day notice in the Federal Register on July 31, 2025, requesting public comment on the extension of its National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) Membership Agreement information collection. This collection involves gathering contact information from private sector stakeholders, including business entity names, representative details, business email addresses, and business categories to maintain FEMA's private sector engagement roster. FEMA leverages this information to engage stakeholders, coordinate disaster response operations, garner donations, and gain situational awareness of private sector actions that will help inform FEMA Leadership and support evidence-based decision-making.
Relevance: This information collection extension directly impacts how emergency management professionals coordinate with private sector partners during disasters and emergencies. The NBEOC stakeholder roster enables emergency managers to engage business community resources rapidly, coordinate donation management, and gather critical situational awareness from private sector entities during response operations. For public information professionals, this database provides essential contact networks for coordinating messaging with business partners, managing public-private partnership communications, and ensuring consistent information flow between government and private sector entities during crises. The standardized information collection also supports improved accountability and transparency in government-business coordination efforts, which affects how public information officers manage stakeholder communications and media relations involving private sector disaster response partnerships.
FEMA PUBLISHES DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Summary: The Federal Emergency Management Agency published two Notices of Funding Opportunity on July 25, 2025, making millions in federal funding available to help states and territories protect their communities from floods and earthquakes. The Community Assistance Program–State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) provides $15 million for flood risk management, while the NEHRP Individual State Earthquake Assistance program offers $2 million for earthquake preparedness. The application period opened on July 28 at 9 a.m. ET and closes on August 11 at 5 p.m. ET. These grant opportunities follow a critical evaluation of all FEMA grant programs to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, with new restrictions on fund usage that explicitly prohibit using federal disaster funds for housing illegal immigrants at luxury hotels, funding climate change projects, or supporting organizations with what FEMA terms "unseemly ties."
Relevance: These funding opportunities directly impact emergency management professionals by providing essential resources for community resilience building and disaster preparedness activities. The CAP-SSSE grants enable state emergency managers to train local officials on flood damage assessment, develop public education resources, and support community recovery efforts following major flooding events. The earthquake assistance funding supports critical facility mapping, emergency response exercises, and infrastructure risk assessments that are fundamental to emergency management operations. For public information professionals, these grants support the development of public education materials, community outreach programs, and training resources that help citizens understand flood risks and earthquake preparedness measures. The new restrictions on grant usage also affect how public information officers communicate about federal disaster funding accountability and program reforms, requiring careful messaging about policy changes while maintaining public confidence in disaster assistance programs.
FEMA CONTINUES DISASTER RECOVERY OPERATIONS FOR MULTIPLE ONGOING INCIDENTS
Summary: FEMA continues managing multiple active disaster declarations including New Mexico Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides (DR-4886-NM) with an incident period beginning June 23, 2025, and continuing, declared as a Major Disaster on July 22, 2025, and Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4885-MO) for incidents occurring May 23-26, 2025, also declared as a Major Disaster on July 22, 2025. These ongoing disaster recovery operations demonstrate the sustained federal commitment to supporting affected communities through long-term recovery processes, providing individual assistance, public assistance for infrastructure repair, and hazard mitigation grant programs.
Relevance: Ongoing disaster recovery operations create sustained coordination requirements for emergency management professionals who must manage long-term recovery programs, coordinate with federal disaster recovery specialists, and oversee community rebuilding efforts. These extended operations require emergency managers to maintain disaster recovery centers, coordinate with voluntary organizations, and manage the transition from immediate response to long-term recovery activities. The multi-state nature of concurrent disasters also requires enhanced coordination between state emergency management agencies and federal partners. For public information professionals, sustained disaster recovery operations require ongoing public communication campaigns to inform affected residents about available assistance programs, application deadlines, fraud prevention measures, and recovery resources. Long-term recovery communications must address changing community needs, coordinate with multiple assistance organizations, and maintain public awareness of available federal, state, and nonprofit recovery programs throughout extended recovery periods that can last months or years following initial disaster declarations.
FEDERAL AGENCY TRAINING WEEK (EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOCUS)
Summary: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted Federal Agency Training Week (FEDWEEK) from August 5-7, 2025, offering both virtual and in-person training programs for federal employees. The training program included emergency management and occupational safety components relevant to federal agency preparedness and response capabilities. This coordinated training initiative represents ongoing federal efforts to enhance emergency preparedness capabilities across government agencies and improve inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
Relevance: Federal Agency Training Week impacts both emergency management and public information professionals by enhancing the emergency preparedness capabilities of federal workforce personnel who may serve in support roles during disasters and emergencies. Emergency management professionals benefit from improved coordination with federal agency partners who have received standardized training on emergency protocols and procedures. The training helps ensure that federal employees across agencies understand their roles in emergency support functions and can effectively coordinate with emergency management professionals during activations. For public information professionals, the enhanced training of federal agency personnel improves the quality and consistency of information sharing between agencies during crises, supporting more effective public communication efforts and reducing conflicting messages from different federal entities during emergencies.
STATE NEVADA PEAVINE FIRE RECEIVES FEDERAL FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
Summary: FEMA declared Fire Management Assistance for the Nevada Peavine Fire on August 2, 2025, with an incident period beginning August 2, 2025, and continuing. This federal declaration provides state and local governments with enhanced federal support for firefighting efforts, including funding for emergency response activities, equipment, and personnel deployment. Fire Management Assistance declarations are issued when fires threaten to cause such destruction that would constitute a major disaster, enabling federal resources to support state and local firefighting capabilities during critical wildfire incidents.
Relevance: Fire Management Assistance declarations significantly impact emergency management operations by activating federal support mechanisms for wildfire response and providing access to enhanced federal resources for firefighting efforts. Emergency management professionals coordinate with federal fire management agencies, deploy additional resources, and manage evacuation planning and community protection measures during these incidents. The declaration enables enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local emergency management agencies and firefighting resources. For public information professionals, wildfire incidents require intensive public communication campaigns including evacuation notices, safety messaging, air quality alerts, and coordination with media for real-time public safety information. Fire incidents also require careful coordination of public information between multiple agencies, including federal fire management, state emergency management, local emergency services, and public health authorities, to ensure consistent and accurate public safety messaging throughout the incident duration.
NEW YORK STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
Summary: New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order 47.8, declaring a disaster emergency and ordering the New York National Guard into service to assist authorities in guaranteeing public order at correctional facilities until August 28, 2025. This follows previous emergency declarations related to correctional facility operations, indicating ongoing emergency management challenges within the state's corrections system. The executive order demonstrates state-level use of emergency powers to address public safety concerns and maintain essential government operations.
Relevance: This state-level emergency declaration affects emergency management operations by activating National Guard resources and establishing emergency coordination protocols for correctional facility security and operations. Emergency management professionals must coordinate with correctional authorities, National Guard units, and state emergency services to ensure effective resource deployment and maintain public safety. The declaration also requires coordination with local emergency managers in communities surrounding affected facilities. For public information professionals, correctional facility emergencies present unique communication challenges requiring careful messaging to address public safety concerns while maintaining operational security. The use of National Guard forces requires coordinated public communications to explain the deployment, address community concerns, and provide accurate information about security measures without compromising operational effectiveness or facility security protocols.
August 10 - August 23, 2025
FEDERAL MULTIPLE WILDFIRE INCIDENTS RECEIVE FEDERAL FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE DECLARATIONS
Summary: During the August 10-23 period, several significant wildfire incidents received Federal Fire Management Assistance declarations from FEMA, demonstrating active federal support for state and local firefighting efforts. The Colorado Oak Fire (FM-5606-CO) began on August 10, 2025, and received a federal assistance declaration on August 11, 2025. The California Canyon Fire (FM-5605-CA) started on August 7, 2025, with federal assistance declared on August 8, 2025, continuing into the reporting period. Additionally, the Idaho Sunset Fire (FM-5607-OK) began on August 14, 2025, and received a federal assistance declaration on August 15, 2025. These declarations provide enhanced federal funding and resources to support state and local firefighting operations when fires threaten to cause destruction that would constitute a major disaster.
Relevance: Multiple simultaneous Fire Management Assistance declarations during this period demonstrate the critical coordination required between emergency management professionals at federal, state, and local levels during active wildfire seasons. Emergency managers must coordinate resource allocation across multiple incidents, manage mutual aid requests, and ensure adequate personnel and equipment deployment while maintaining readiness for additional incidents. The geographic spread of these fires (Colorado, California, and Idaho) requires sophisticated resource management and interstate coordination capabilities. For external affairs professionals in emergency management, these concurrent incidents create complex public information challenges requiring coordinated messaging across multiple jurisdictions, real-time public safety communications, and coordination with media outlets covering multiple active fire scenes. The incidents also require careful coordination of evacuation messaging, air quality alerts, and resource deployment communications while ensuring consistent and accurate information flow between federal incident management teams, state emergency management agencies, and local public information officers.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES PUBLIC WEBINAR
Summary: The Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA) announced a "State of EMEAA" webinar scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET. Originally planned as a members-only event, the association opened registration to the public, inviting non-members, crisis communicators, and emergency managers to participate. The webinar features EMEAA President Bob Jensen and Vice President Dan Stoneking, highlighting the organization's achievements, sharing results from its recent training survey, and outlining priorities for the upcoming year. EMEAA is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by eight emergency management professionals to provide networking and collaboration opportunities for the external affairs community in emergency management.
Relevance: This professional development opportunity directly impacts external affairs professionals in emergency management by providing insights into industry trends, training needs, and best practices in crisis communications. The association's training survey results offer valuable data on professional development needs and capabilities within the external affairs community. For emergency management professionals, understanding external affairs priorities and challenges helps improve coordination between operational emergency management and public information functions. The webinar demonstrates the growing professionalization of the external affairs field within emergency management and provides networking opportunities for professionals seeking to enhance their crisis communication capabilities. The public nature of this typically member-only event indicates EMEAA's efforts to expand professional development access and build broader connections within the emergency management community.
FEDERAL REGISTER PUBLICATIONS OF DISASTER DECLARATION AMENDMENTS
Summary: FEMA published multiple amendments to existing disaster declarations in the Federal Register on August 19, 2025, affecting previous emergency and major disaster declarations from 2024. These amendments primarily involved changes in Federal Coordinating Officer appointments for ongoing disaster recovery operations in multiple states, including Nebraska (FEMA-4808-DR), Kansas (FEMA-4811-DR), Santa Clara Pueblo (FEMA-4809-DR), and New Hampshire (FEMA-4812-DR). The changes represent routine administrative updates to ensure continued federal coordination and oversight of long-term disaster recovery efforts. These publications fulfill FEMA's regulatory requirements to publish certain declaration information in the Federal Register as specified in 44 CFR 206.40(b) and 44 CFR 206.32.
Relevance: Federal Coordinating Officer appointments and changes directly affect emergency management operations by establishing clear federal leadership and coordination protocols for ongoing disaster recovery efforts. Emergency management professionals working on long-term recovery operations must adapt to new federal coordination structures and communication protocols when these appointments change. The timing and administrative nature of these appointments affect resource allocation, program management, and federal-state coordination processes. For external affairs professionals, Federal Coordinating Officer changes require updated contact protocols, revised communication channels, and potential adjustments to public messaging about federal recovery support. These administrative changes also affect media relations and stakeholder engagement strategies during extended recovery periods, requiring external affairs professionals to maintain continuity in public communications while adapting to new federal leadership structures.
Source: https:/www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/19/2025-15717/notices-of-emergency-and-major-disaster-declarations-and-related-amendments
CONGRESSIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION ACTIVITY
Summary: During the August 10-23 period, several pieces of federal legislation related to emergency management continued to advance through the congressional process, including the Sovereign States Emergency Management Act (H.R.3347), which proposes to abolish FEMA and establish a block grant program for disaster relief, and the FEMA Independence Act of 2025 (S.1246), which aims to establish FEMA as a cabinet-level independent agency. The National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025 (H.R.3908) and the State-Managed Disaster Relief Act (H.R.2342) also remain active in the legislative process. These bills represent competing visions for the future structure and role of federal emergency management, ranging from the elimination of FEMA to enhanced federal coordination capabilities.
Relevance: Active congressional consideration of emergency management reform legislation creates significant uncertainty for both emergency management and external affairs professionals regarding future organizational structures, funding mechanisms, and operational protocols. The competing legislative approaches (elimination versus elevation of FEMA) require emergency management professionals to prepare for multiple potential scenarios while maintaining current operational effectiveness. These legislative discussions affect strategic planning, professional development priorities, and intergovernmental coordination protocols. For external affairs professionals, the legislative uncertainty requires careful messaging about the future of federal emergency management support while maintaining public confidence in current capabilities. The legislation also affects stakeholder engagement strategies and requires ongoing coordination with congressional offices, advocacy organizations, and professional associations to ensure accurate information flow about potential impacts on emergency management operations and public safety.
STATE
TEXAS GOVERNOR CALLS SECOND SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Summary: Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed on August 15, 2025, calling for Special Session #2 to begin immediately at 12:00 PM that day, with a 19-item agenda focused on emergency management and flood preparedness legislation. Abbott cited "delinquent House Democrats" who "ran away from their responsibility" during the first special session, delaying critical flood relief and recovery resources for communities impacted by the July 4 catastrophic flooding. The agenda includes flood emergency communications legislation to strengthen emergency communications and response infrastructure in flood-prone areas, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and measures to streamline natural disaster preparation and recovery. The Texas Senate had already passed flood relief packages during the previous session, including SB 1, requiring summer camps in flood-prone areas to develop evacuation plans, SB 2 mandating flood warning sirens in high-risk areas, and measures promoting better coordination between public safety agencies.
Relevance: This second special session represents a critical state-level emergency management reform effort directly impacting external affairs professionals in Texas emergency management. The session's focus on emergency communications infrastructure addresses fundamental gaps identified during the July floods when warning systems failed to adequately alert communities. External affairs professionals will be directly affected by new requirements for emergency communications coordination, public warning system protocols, and inter-agency information sharing during flood events. The legislation requires enhanced coordination between state emergency management, local emergency services, and public information officers to ensure consistent messaging during flood warnings and evacuations. For external affairs professionals, the strengthened emergency communications requirements will likely mandate improved public notification protocols, enhanced media coordination procedures, and standardized public information messaging across multiple jurisdictions during flood emergencies. The session also demonstrates how legislative failures can delay critical emergency management capabilities, highlighting the importance of sustained advocacy and stakeholder engagement for emergency management professionals.
NEW YORK GOVERNOR ISSUES DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR SEVERE WEATHER
Summary: New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order 50 on July 31, 2025, declaring a State Disaster Emergency for the counties of Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, and contiguous counties due to hazardous conditions from severe weather. The declaration, effective through August 30, 2025, covers the August 10-23 reporting period and addresses imminent dangers to public transportation, utility service, public health, and public safety systems from rain and thunderstorms. The executive order implements the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, authorizes state agencies and the American Red Cross to provide disaster assistance, and temporarily suspends various statutes to facilitate emergency response operations, including traffic control, emergency contracting, and resource deployment.
Relevance: This state disaster declaration directly impacts external affairs professionals in New York emergency management by activating comprehensive state emergency response protocols and public information coordination requirements. The multi-county scope requires sophisticated coordination between state emergency management, local emergency services, and public information officers across 15+ counties plus contiguous areas. External affairs professionals must coordinate messaging across multiple jurisdictions while managing state and local media relations during the extended 30-day emergency period. The declaration's statutory suspensions affect public information operations by enabling expedited emergency contracting, modified procurement procedures, and enhanced traffic control authorities that require coordinated public notification. For external affairs professionals, the executive order creates requirements for sustained public information campaigns about ongoing hazardous conditions, coordination with utility companies on outage communications, and management of public safety messaging across diverse urban and suburban communities. The declaration also demonstrates New York's proactive approach to emergency management, requiring external affairs professionals to maintain readiness for extended emergency operations and multi-jurisdictional coordination.
August 22 - 27, 2025
FEDERAL
FEMA Employees Issue "Katrina Declaration" Warning Letter, Face Administrative Leave
Summary: On August 25, 2025, more than 180 current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency employees published a letter warning that debilitating cuts to the agency charged with handling federal disaster response risk a catastrophe similar to Hurricane Katrina. The letter, titled the "Katrina Declaration," coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and warns that poor management and eroded capacity at FEMA could undo progress made through the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. The letter states that FEMA is "enacting processes and leadership structures that echo the conditions PKEMRA was designed to prevent." The employees cited concerns about one-third of FEMA's full-time workforce leaving or being fired, including many high-level staff, unqualified leadership appointments, and a policy requiring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to personally approve expenditures above $100,000, which delayed Urban Search and Rescue teams during the July Texas floods. On August 27, 2025, multiple FEMA employees who signed the letter using their names were placed on paid administrative leave, with emails stating they were in "non-duty status while continuing to receive pay and benefits" and prohibited from accessing FEMA facilities or systems. The letter also criticized cuts to mitigation programs, preparedness training cessation that shut out over 7,000 trainees, and the FEMA workforce reduction of one-fifth since the Trump administration took office.
Relevance: For PIOs, this situation illustrates the complex political dynamics affecting emergency management operations and the importance of understanding federal workforce concerns that could affect local emergency response coordination. The letter's reference to delayed Urban Search and Rescue deployments during the Texas floods highlights operational impacts that directly affect state and local emergency management partners who rely on federal resources. External affairs professionals must understand how federal policy changes and workforce disruptions affect the reliability of federal emergency management support for local operations. The subsequent administrative leave of employees who signed the letter raises important questions about federal employee rights to dissent and the potential chilling effect on emergency management professionals' ability to advocate for effective disaster response capabilities. This situation demonstrates how federal emergency management policy disputes can cascade to affect state and local emergency management operations and the professionals who depend on federal coordination and training programs.
Federal Judge Orders Florida Everglades Detention Center Wind Down Operations
Summary: On August 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction ordering the Florida Division of Emergency Management to halt further expansion and begin winding down operations at the immigration detention center built in the Florida Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." The 82-page ruling found that the facility, constructed on Big Cypress National Preserve lands without required environmental review, must wind down operations within 60 days. The judge prohibited installation of additional lighting, paving, fencing, or buildings, and mandated removal of generators, gas, sewage, and waste systems. No additional detainees can be brought to the facility, which currently holds several hundred people but was designed for up to 3,000. The ruling came in response to lawsuits by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe challenging the facility's construction without environmental impact assessments. The judge noted that Florida officials never sufficiently explained why the detention center needed to be located in the middle of sensitive wetlands. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans for an alternative facility called "Deportation Depot" and filed a notice of appeal. The detention center was built by the Florida Division of Emergency Management under a $450 million annual contract with federal immigration authorities.
Relevance: This federal court ruling has direct implications for Public Information Officers working in emergency management, particularly regarding the role of state emergency management agencies in federal immigration enforcement activities. This case demonstrates how emergency management agencies can become involved in controversial operations that extend beyond traditional disaster response missions. The $450 million annual cost and subsequent legal challenges show how emergency management agencies can face significant financial and reputational risks when undertaking non-traditional missions. The case also highlights coordination challenges between state emergency management agencies and federal authorities, as well as the potential for emergency management infrastructure to be repurposed for immigration enforcement. PIOs should note how this situation required coordination between emergency management, environmental, and legal communication functions across multiple levels of government.
Presidential Amendment Expands Texas Major Disaster Declaration
Summary: On August 19, 2025, President Trump issued an amendment to the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Texas (FEMA-4879-DR), with the Federal Register publishing this amendment on August 25, 2025. The amendment expands Public Assistance eligibility for areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred from July 2-18, 2025. The amendment includes additional counties as adversely affected areas eligible for federal disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration disaster loan programs. Physical loan application deadlines are set for September 4, 2025, with Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications due by April 6, 2026. The amendment demonstrates ongoing federal response to severe weather events that impacted Texas communities during the summer, with continued expansion of eligible areas as damage assessments are completed and additional needs are identified. This represents the seventh amendment to the original disaster declaration, showing the iterative nature of federal disaster assistance determinations.
Relevance: This federal disaster declaration amendment provides Public Information Officers with a clear example of how disaster declarations evolve as damage assessments continue and additional affected areas are identified. PIOs should understand that disaster declarations are not static documents but are frequently amended to include additional counties or expand assistance programs as recovery operations progress. The timing between the presidential action and Federal Register publication illustrates the administrative processes that PIOs must track to provide accurate information about assistance availability. Understanding these federal amendment processes helps PIOs better advise local officials about potential expanded assistance opportunities and demonstrates the importance of maintaining documentation throughout the disaster declaration lifecycle.
Enhanced Tariff Enforcement Affects Emergency Management Supply Chains
Summary: On August 27, 2025, enhanced tariff rates took effect on India-origin products, adding 25% duty on top of the existing 25% reciprocal tariffs, bringing total tariffs to 50%. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued implementation guidance on August 25, 2025, detailing the new duty’s structure. Simultaneously, the suspension of the de minimis exemption became effective August 29, 2025, requiring all imports, regardless of value, to be subject to applicable duties, tariffs, taxes, and fees. These trade policy changes represent major modifications to import procedures affecting supply chain operations across multiple sectors. The elimination of the de minimis exemption particularly affects small shipments and e-commerce operations, requiring new administrative procedures for previously exempt low-value imports. International shipping companies across Europe and Asia announced suspensions of deliveries to the United States in anticipation of the regulatory changes, citing uncertainty over new compliance requirements. The changes affect emergency equipment imports, medical supplies, and disaster response materials commonly used by emergency management agencies.
Relevance: These tariff and trade policy changes have direct implications for emergency management supply chains and procurement processes that Public Information Officers must be prepared to address. The enhanced duties and elimination of de minimis exemptions affect the cost and availability of emergency supplies, medical equipment, and disaster response materials that emergency management agencies rely upon. PIOs should anticipate questions about how these trade policy changes might affect emergency preparedness costs and supply chain reliability for their jurisdictions. The supply chain disruptions caused by suspended international deliveries could affect emergency stockpiling and procurement timelines, requiring adjusted communication strategies about resource availability during disasters. Emergency management communicators must be prepared to explain how complex trade policies affect local emergency preparedness efforts and coordinate with procurement officials to understand supply chain implications. These changes also affect mutual aid agreements and resource-sharing arrangements that depend on reliable supply chains for specialized emergency equipment and supplies.
Congressional Action on Presidential Crime Emergency Declaration
Summary: Congress has introduced competing joint resolutions regarding President Trump's August 11, 2025, Executive Order declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia. House Joint Resolution 114, introduced by Representatives Luna and Fine, seeks to extend the emergency declaration until the President declares an end to the emergency. Meanwhile, House Joint Resolution 115 proposes terminating the emergency declaration entirely. These resolutions highlight ongoing constitutional tension between executive emergency powers and legislative oversight. The competing measures reflect differing congressional perspectives on the appropriateness and scope of the crime emergency declaration. Both resolutions invoke section 740(d) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which provides specific procedures for congressional involvement in District emergency matters. The introduction of these competing measures demonstrates the active role Congress plays in reviewing and potentially modifying presidential emergency declarations affecting federal territories and districts. The resolutions were introduced during the reporting period as part of ongoing legislative oversight of emergency authorities.
Relevance: These congressional actions directly affect how Public Information Officers and external affairs professionals approach emergency communications involving federal emergency declarations. The competing resolutions illustrate the complex political landscape surrounding emergency powers and demonstrate how federal emergency declarations can become subject to legislative review and modification. For PIOs working at federal, state, and local levels, this situation shows the importance of understanding various legal frameworks that govern emergency declarations and the potential for legislative intervention. Emergency management communicators must be prepared to explain these procedural complexities to the public and media when emergency declarations become politically controversial. This case provides PIOs with insight into how federal emergency declarations can become politicized and the importance of maintaining factual, procedural communications about emergency management authorities.
STATE Florida Extends Emergency Management Executive Order for Tornado Recovery
Summary: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 2025-179 on August 25, 2025, extending Executive Order 24-94 related to emergency management for the May North Florida Tornadoes. The extension continues emergency management authorities and resources previously activated in response to tornado damage that occurred in May 2025. While specific details of the extension were not immediately available in the published order summary, the action demonstrates ongoing state-level emergency management activities and resource coordination for tornado recovery operations. The extension indicates that recovery efforts from the May tornado events continue to require state-level emergency management coordination and support. This executive action maintains continuity of emergency management authorities that were originally established to address tornado damage and support affected communities in North Florida. The timing of the extension, several months after the initial disaster, illustrates the long-term nature of recovery operations that require sustained state emergency management oversight.
Relevance: This executive order extension illustrates important principles for Public Information Officers regarding the duration and management of emergency declarations. The action demonstrates how state emergency management operations can extend well beyond the initial disaster event, particularly for complex recovery operations that require sustained coordination and resources. The timing of the extension, several months after the initial disaster, shows PIOs the importance of monitoring and communicating about extended emergency management activities that may not receive the same media attention as the initial disaster response. The continuation of state emergency authorities demonstrates the complex administrative processes that PIOs must be prepared to explain to stakeholders and the public, particularly regarding why emergency powers remain necessary long after the initial disaster event has passed.
Steuben County Recognizes Emergency Management Awareness Month
Summary: Steuben County, New York, issued a statement on August 26, 2025, joining communities nationwide in recognizing August 2025 as the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month. The statement emphasized that emergency managers function as problem-solvers available around the clock, coordinating across multiple services, agencies, and disciplines beyond traditional public safety roles. The county highlighted emergency managers' dual role as highly trained crisis professionals and community members who help organizations understand risk, build resilience, navigate crises, and take appropriate action during disasters. The statement noted that Steuben County's emergency services personnel serve as chief risk advisors for the county and organizations within their jurisdiction, helping them prevent, mitigate, prepare for, and recover from disasters. The county encouraged residents to download the Ready Steuben app for emergency notifications, weather alerts, and preparedness guidance, emphasizing that preparedness starts with awareness. The recognition is tied to National Preparedness Month activities scheduled for September.
Relevance: This county-level recognition of National Emergency Management Awareness Month provides Public Information Officers with a model for local emergency management awareness campaigns. The statement demonstrates how local PIOs can leverage national recognition months to strengthen community understanding of emergency management roles and capabilities. For external affairs professionals, this example shows how to effectively communicate the multifaceted nature of emergency management work and the professional qualifications of emergency managers to diverse audiences. The promotion of the Ready Steuben app provides a practical example of how awareness campaigns can be linked to concrete preparedness actions and technology adoption.
North Carolina Maintains Hurricane Erin Emergency Response Operations
Summary: Following Governor Stein's August 19, 2025, state of emergency declaration for Hurricane Erin, North Carolina emergency management operations continued throughout the week of August 22-27, 2025. The State Emergency Response Team maintained coordination of swift water rescue teams, National Guard personnel, and specialized equipment, including boats, high-clearance vehicles, and aircraft. Mandatory evacuations remained in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, with the State Operated Disaster Shelter continuing operations in Warren County. Hurricane Erin impacted the coast with waves of 15 to 20 feet, coastal flooding, and tropical storm force winds, particularly affecting the Outer Banks throughout the reporting period. Emergency management officials continued coordinating with local authorities in Dare County and Hyde County, which had declared local states of emergency. The multi-day event demonstrated sustained coordination required for coastal storm response and integration of state and local emergency management resources. Recovery operations included road clearing on Highway 12 and coordination with utility companies for power restoration efforts that extended through the end of the reporting period.
Relevance: This ongoing hurricane response operation provides Public Information Officers with valuable examples of sustained emergency management communications during extended weather events. The multi-day nature of Hurricane Erin's impacts shows PIOs how to maintain consistent messaging throughout prolonged emergency operations that extend beyond initial landfall predictions. This example provides PIOs with a framework for communicating about complex coastal storm events that involve multiple jurisdictions and require sustained public attention to evolving safety conditions and recovery operations.
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