Pre-scheduled in-person classes at the NETC postponed until April 4, 2021

by | Jan 27, 2021 | Meeting Notes

Sent on behalf of Tonya Hoover, Deputy Fire Administrator, USFA

January 27, 2021

The health, wellness and safety of our students, instructors and staff attending either the National Fire Academy (NFA) or the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) classes at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) is paramount. NETC staff is continuously monitoring and evaluating the national COVID-19 situation and the current guidance in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to monitor the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it relates to COVID-19. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the CDC is encouraging organizations to promote social distancing, hold meetings via videoconferencing, reduce non-essential travel, and adjust or postpone events and gatherings.

On January 21, 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, outlining a plan to administer COVID-19 vaccinations across the United States to safely reopen schools, businesses, and travel, while protecting workers. FEMA is working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to support their efforts.

We know in communities around the nation, fire service, EMS, and emergency management personnel are actively engaged in leading, or supporting, community COVID-19 efforts.  Commitments with home agencies, various travel restrictions, and quarantines in place for those who travel out of state, has had an impact on the number of students able to attend scheduled classes at NETC. Because of this, we have decided to not offer pre-scheduled in-person classes at the NETC until April 4, 2021.

Not to worry, both the NFA and EMI remain open for business and will continue to offer a wide-variety of classes via distance learning platforms, independent study and through our State and local partners. We also will continue to evaluate the local and national situation and will provide regular updates.

Availability of training can be accessed at the following websites:

National Fire Academy: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/index.html

Emergency Management Institute: https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the NFA Instructor mailbox @ [email protected].

Tonya L. Hoover, Deputy Fire Administrator
Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
United States Fire Administration
16825 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
(301) 447-1117 (office)
[email protected]