Although emergency managers typically have sound plans in place to meet immediate post-disaster recovery needs, many overlook long-term recovery needs — how will your community survive and thrive five, ten, twenty years after a disaster? These tips provide insight into what emergency managers should take into account while developing a basic long-term recovery plan… Read more
This toolkit is intended to assist local publicly or privately funded economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in developing a plan of action to rebuild local economies back stronger after a natural disaster. The toolkit provides a number of actionable tools in its appendix to assist economic development organizations through the planning process. … Read more
Providing temporary infrastructure to citizens is not only critical for a successful disaster response, but it builds morale and demonstrates a first step towards recovery. FEMA currently offers twelve online independent study courses focused on key elements of temporary infrastructure – transportation, energy, public works and health care. IS-552 — The Public Works Role… Read more
When a disaster strikes, it’s important for utilities to have a plan in place which allows them to maintain infrastructure resilience. The following FEMA courses provide information on establishing partnerships and plans that will be critical to recovery. These courses are appropriate for those with critical infrastructure duties, including personnel involved with the provision of… Read more
FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused specifically on the initial damage assessment. In addition, an understanding of the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs ensures that the damage assessment collects the correct information. IS-556 — Damage Assessment for Public Works IS-559 — Local Damage Assessment IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance… Read more
To ensure a coordinated, immediate disaster rescue effort, it’s important all stakeholders — including government leaders at the local, state and federal levels — are trained and up-to-date on emerging best practices. FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused on initial rescue efforts. IS-806 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency… Read more
Staffing plans should clearly outline roles and responsibilities and be reviewed periodically to ensure every member of the disaster response team knows what they should be doing, where they should be and when they need to be there. FEMA currently offers several online independent study course that provide valuable guidance related to staffing guidelines during… Read more
FEMA currently offers five online independent study courses geared to local fire and police forces. These include basic Incident Command System and National Response Framework roles as well as public alert and warning systems. IS-100.LEb — Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement IS-804 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4 – Firefighting… Read more
A communication plan is an important but often overlooked element of a community’s debris management plan. Localities can use these tips to expedite the debris removal process by sending quick and effective messages to the public. Identify and develop alternative outreach channels. Normal channels of communication may be unavailable at the time you need to… Read more
Local appointed and elected officials often serve as the “spokesperson” to update the public on the response and recovery processes, including debris removal. These tips provide advice on how best to work with your local PIO and emergency management agency to keep the public up-to-date on debris removal and expedite the process. Be proactive about… Read more
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