Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is returning nearly $3.5 billion to state and local communities through its non-disaster grant programs. The intent is to bolster emergency preparedness nationwide. By improving local resilience to fires, floods, tornadoes, cyber incidents, and other emergencies, the initiative aims to make the entire nation stronger and more secure. “Secretary Noem is empowering state and local leaders over Washington bureaucrats,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Every dollar is now directed toward improving disaster preparedness and response.