WSEMA!
Made a quick trip over to Yakima early this week for a meeting with a great group of emergency managers. Solid conversation, good perspectives, and always nice to connect with folks. Took Hwy 12 on the way over and decided to stretch my legs on a beautiful day with a nice hike.
About 1.3 miles in, I had a sudden realization: no one knows I’m here. Didn’t tell anyone I was taking Hwy 12. Didn’t mention I was stopping for a hike. Said goodbye to my team when I left, but no one was expecting me on the other end. Just…off the grid.
Now, to be clear, I had plenty of water, snacks, and layers. So, I had some of my act together. Just not the “tell literally anyone where you are” part.
When I joined folks at an unplanned dinner, I admitted this to Nick (your President-Elect), which led to a conversation about cougars and bears. What’s funny is, I wasn’t even thinking about wildlife. My brain went straight to the two-legged variety and the whole thing started to feel like the opening scene of a Dateline episode.
Anyway, just a friendly reminder that even those of us in this field, who talk preparedness all day long, can still have our moments. Proof that “do as I say, not as I do” is alive and well.
Let’s do this!
Association News
- WSEMA Conference Call for Presentations: WSEMA 2026 – Resilience Through Partnerships is all about momentum! How strong partnerships drive readiness, adaptability, and real outcomes for communities across Washington. WSEMA is seeking high‑impact, engaging presentations that connect our members to new ideas and each other. Proposals that push us to reimagine what partnerships can look like. Submit your presentation ideas today! Monday is fine, too.
Emergency Management in Washington
- FEMA Housing Inspectors Begin Evaluation: Residents who applied for federal individual assistance resulting from the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in designated counties December 5-19, 2025, will soon be contacted by housing inspectors with FEMA.
- WA State Healthcare Situational Awareness Brief: Adult ED visits increased for the third week in a row, pediatric ED visits also increased moderately this week. Adult ICU availability is in line with recent trends. Adult acute bed occupancy has been increasing over the past week. Pediatric ICU and acute bed occupancy continue to be consistently variable. Hospital and ED boarders have increased throughout most regions. The number of hospitalized patients with RSV, influenza and COVID remains low with fewer than 50 inpatients for each category statewide.
National EM Updates and Misc.
- Cameron Hamilton Expected to be Nominated to Lead FEMA…again: President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Cameron Hamilton to serve as administrator of FEMA, nearly a year after he was removed as its acting head.
- Shutdown has Slowed World Cup Planning: On the Federal side, DHS official says ongoing shutdown has affected planning and coordination.
- Senate Passes Budget Plan for ICE and Border Patrol: The Senate took the first steps in a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security early Thursday, voting to adopt a budget plan that would fund ICE and Border Patrol over Democratic objections and sending it to the House.
- A Breaking Point: Report highlights that the prolonged DHS shutdown has pushed the department to a “breaking point,” with employees describing burnout, resource shortages, and a sense of being forgotten as operational strain continues to grow.
- DOJ Grants ADA Accessibility Requirements Extension: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) on their implementation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) web-based accessibility requirements for state and local governments.
- Fun Facts about Yakima: Wine country and produces 70-75% of the nation’s hop harvest. Did you also know they are lead producers in apples, mint, asparagus, and cherries?!
Training and Resources
- Northwest Preparedness and Resilience Conference: The Northwest Preparedness & Resilience Conference will feature speakers and sessions based on regional public health preparedness topics, including workforce and communications.
- ICS Courses: Effective April 16, 2026, FEMA has restored access to its Independent Study. However, FEMA’s staffing and operations are still impacted by the lapse in appropriations. If users experience technical problems, FEMA staff are unable to provide assistance at this time.
- WA State Training: Check out trainings happening across the state. To view and register for training, visit the Washington State EMD Training Calendar.
Closing Note
That’s it for this week. If you take one thing away…tell someone where you’re going. Professionally or personally. Maybe both.
Have a great weekend and I’ll catch you all next Friday!
Kyle