Category Archives: Uncategorized

IBTS Helping Communities Kick STaRT Disaster Recovery

As part of its public service mission, IBTS developed the OnHAND website to provide free online educational resources and tools for communities that need help navigating disaster planning, response and recovery. For communities that need additional assistance, IBTS also provides on-the-ground pro bono educational services on federal funding programs available after a disaster through our… Read more

Strengthening Communities through Building Codes

Natural disasters can level entire communities, leaving thousands of damaged structures in their path. As local governments work to return their citizens, businesses, and community organizations to safe, sanitary, structures, it’s easy to lose sight of opportunities to not just rebuild structures to their pre-disaster state, but to build them back stronger. Communities who integrate… Read more

Deadline Approaching for FEMA Disaster Mitigation Funding Opportunities

The deadline for local governments to submit subapplications to their state for FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) programs is quickly approaching. With a combined more than $395 million available, the programs provide local governments with an important opportunity to jumpstart or maintain disaster mitigation planning and project activities that can significantly… Read more

Immediate Post-Disaster Recovery: The First Steps for Local Leaders

Whether you’ve never experienced a disaster, haven’t had one for decades, or have been impacted by one recently, the following checklist provides a basic overview of the first steps for local leaders to take in the days and weeks immediately following a disaster. As a local leader, you will be tasked with helping homeowners through… Read more

For communities in Hurricane Florence’s path: Tips to share with your citizens

IBTS’s natural disaster experts have developed the following list of important recommendations for citizens in areas affected by natural disasters. Local government officials in communities that expect to be hit by Hurricane Florence can distribute these as part of their disaster communications efforts to help their citizens during and immediately following the storm. PROTECT YOUR… Read more