The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host its inaugural Community of Practice (COP) webinar:  Out of Harm’s Way: Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Program, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026,  at  2:30 PM ET (11:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM CT). This webinar builds on the technical discussions and peer-to-peer learning that is hallmark to the Out of Harm’s Way Technical Assistance (TA) program. This webinar will allow speakers to analyze and hone in on the more granular realities of real-world evacuations and shelter-in-place events.

The Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Community of Practice (COP) will be a 1.5-hour long virtual webinar featuring a presentation from Nicole Johnson, Senior Manager of Risk Reduction and Operations from King County Office of Emergency Management in Washington State. Nicole’s talk will focus on the County’s coordinated Emergency Operations Center response to the December 2025 flooding and levee breach incidents where over 1,000 people received evacuation notices. During this period, King County experienced historic flooding on multiple rivers simultaneously. The audience will have a chance to pose questions to the speakers and network with colleagues at the conclusion of the COP.

Date: July 29, 2026, 2:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM CT

Audience: The webinar is open to individuals with a role in planning, implementing, or issuing evacuation or shelter-in-place protective action guidance.

Registration Link: https://fema.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/aKC2nyAhRoS-hu69D1VUog#/registration

Questions: Please reach out to fema-tarequest@fema.dhs.gov.