Glossary
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Updated in 2023, the FEMA Acronyms,
Abbreviations and Terms (FAAT) PDF contains a full listing of commonly used terms.
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Access and Functional Needs
Persons who may have additional needs before, during and after an incident in functional areas, including but not limited to: maintaining independence, communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care. Individuals in need of additional response assistance may include those who have disabilities; live in institutionalized settings; are seniors; are children; are from diverse cultures; have limited English proficiency or are non-English speaking; or are transportation disadvantaged.
Access/Accessible
The suitability or adaptability of programs, services, activities, goods, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations provided by a public or private (for-profit or not-for-profit) entity, or by any entity to which it contracts for all members of the population, including individuals with disabilities
Act
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and any amendments to it.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The cost to replace an insured item of property at the time of loss, less the value of physical depreciation.
Active Firefighter
The functional elements of a program. Example: Training and Personal Protective Equipment are activities included the Operations and Safety Program Area.
Activity
The functional elements of a program. Example: training and personal protective clothing are activities within the Operations and Firefighters Safety Program.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
A set of clinical interventions used for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life-threatening medical emergencies as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions.
Affiliated EMS Organization
Affiliated EMS organizations are supported by a hospital. This support includes any portion of an EMS organizations' operation including equipment, salaries, vehicles, facilities, etc. Occasional re-supply of expendables is allowed.
Air-Drying
Use a cool, low-humidity area with good air circulation. Place absorbent material (see interleaving) under objects; replace it when wet. If possible, air dry material on plastic racks (commercial bread trays or rust-proof screens) to increase evaporation. Exposure to light may reduce threat of mold, but prolonged sunlight can cause fading.
Alternative Rating
A rating method used when a building is Pre-FIRM, the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) zone is unknown, and the community in which the building is located has no V Zones. May also be used for renewal of policies in communities that have converted from the Emergency Program to the Regular Program during a policy's term.
Anchored
Adequately secured to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
Applicant
An individual or the head of a household who has applied for Federal disaster assistance. 44 CFR 206.111
Applicant Share
The amount of the grant award the applicant must pay if they are awarded federal funding. For the Fire Grant Program, the funds must be raised from nonfederal sources and cannot be in-kind donations.
Application
The statement made and signed by the prospective policyholder or the agent/producer in applying for an NFIP flood insurance policy. The Application gives information used to determine the eligibility of the risk, the kind of policy to be issued, and the correct premium payment. The Application is part of the flood insurance policy. For a policy to be issued, the correct premium payment must accompany the Application.
Application Number
When an application has been successfully submitted to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (including Fire Grants, SAFER and Fire Prevention & Safety), it is assigned an application number. Applicants should keep a record of this number.
Application Package
A formal communication offered by the government containing the application notice for one or more discretionary grant or cooperative agreement programs and all the information and forms needed to apply for those programs.
Application Period
This is the period of time during which applications for funding will be accepted. The specifics of the application period are detailed in the application package.
Appurtenant Structure
A detached garage servicing a 1-4 family dwelling.
Also see Accessory Structure.
Assignment
The transfer by a policyholder of his/her legal right or interest in a policy contract to a third party. In the NFIP, written assignment of a policy is permissible upon transfer of title without the consent of the FEMA, except in the case where a residential (household) contents-only policy is involved or a policy was issued to cover a building in the course of construction.
Assurances
A list of requirements found in different federal laws, regulations and executive orders applicants agree to observe as a condition of receiving federal assistance.