USFA Recognized by Top International Honor for Web Sites

Release Date: May 18, 2005

Web Worthy

Emmitsburg, MD - The Federal Emergency Management Agency/U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) Web site - www.usfa.dhs.gov - was recently recognized by The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for Web sites as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement. The USFA Web site is produced by the USFA's National Fire Data Center, Verizon Federal Systems, and Clutch Inc. of Winchester, VA.

Hailed as the "Online Oscars" by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences," said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. "Our Web team works hard to present information about the outstanding training and home fire safety programs produced by USFA's staff for the Fire Service and the American public."

Established in 1995, the USFA Web site receives two million visitors each year and provides information on training and educational opportunities available from the U.S. Fire Administration for the Fire Service, allied organizations and individuals working together in disasters and emergencies. Also available are fire statistics, publications, public fire education campaign materials, and information on fire service funding opportunities. The site contains a directory of approved, fire-safe hotels and information on home fire safety.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding Web sites that are setting the standards for the Internet," said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. "USFA's Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.