OCS DCL-2023-12 National Preparedness Month 2023

Publication Date: September 6, 2023

Office of Community Services

Dear Colleague Letter

DCL#: OCS-DCL-2023-12

DATE: September 6, 2023

TO: OCS Grant Recipients, Partners, and Stakeholders

SUBJECT: National Preparedness Month 2023

ATTACHMENT(S): N/A

 

Dear Colleagues,

The Office of Community Services (OCS) is committed to supporting communities as they prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. In observance of National Preparedness Month, OCS is highlighting the ways we work to ensure grant recipients and families have the resources and tools they need to weather crises.

Certain populations are disproportionately impacted by extreme weather events, especially when they have low incomes, live alone, have a disability, or live in rural areas, among other risk factors. Because social inequities are often exacerbated by weather-related emergencies, OCS is committed to serving those with acute needs so they can effectively protect their families, their livelihoods, and well-being.

The OCS Disaster Flexibilities Hub  features critical resources and information to support communities during and after emergencies.

The Disaster Flexibilities Hub features:

  • A live weather activity dashboard which provides information on:
    • Natural disasters across the country
    • Disaster declarations for the past three years
    • The number of OCS-funded agencies impacted during each disaster
    • Population characteristics for individuals eligible for OCS-funded services in the affected area from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index , which identifies communities that need disaster
  • Disaster flexibilities guidance for all applicable OCS programs:
    • The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
    • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • The Low Income Households Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
    • The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
  • Additional resources and tools for grant recipients and households, including:
    • A disaster self-attestation template
    • Spotlight videos on how grant recipients are using OCS funds to address a variety of natural disasters
    • Tools to help individuals and families to prepare for natural disasters and find help during and after a disaster, including shelters and FEMA disaster assistance

Accessing the Disaster Flexibilities Hub

To access the Disaster Flexibilities Hub , we recommend using either a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to ensure all content properly loads.

Spread the Word on Social Media

During National Preparedness Month and throughout the year, we encourage you to share these valuable resources with your communities. You can find sample social media posts and graphics on the Disaster Flexibilities Hub’s “Share This With Others” tab . Be sure to follow OCS on Twitter @OCS_ACFgov  for updates and additional resources.

Video Spotlights

Each week during September, OCS will also highlight the disaster-related videos linked below.

  • Video spotlight on CSBG relief efforts in California  in response to severe drought
  • Video spotlight on LIHEAP cooling assistance provided to residents of Washington State  facing dangerous heat dome effects
  • Video spotlight on CSBG disaster response in North Carolina  following Hurricane Florence
  • Video spotlight on the Rural Community Development program’s emergency improvements to water infrastructure in Kentucky (stay tuned!)

Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS partners.

/s/
Dr. Lanikque Howard
Director
Office of Community Services