Resources

Tools and Resources for Community-Based and Faith-Based Organizations

King County, Washington, developed a suite of tools and resources to assist community agencies that deal with vulnerable populations in becoming more prepared and resilient in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. The tool outlines 13 standards that a community agency should work towards, ranging from communications tools to emergency payment procedures and… Read more

Tips: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide guidance to ensure localities take full advantage of regional training opportunities. Find out if your state… Read more

Tips for Local Leaders: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide guidance for local leaders help their locality take full advantage of regional training opportunities. Find out… Read more

Tips for Emergency Managers: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide information to emergency managers take full advantage of regional training opportunities and ensure their staff stay… Read more

Tips for Emergency Managers: Facilitate Relationships Between Local Leaders in Advance

  When natural disasters hit, politics and personality conflicts between local leaders must be set aside to provide the most immediate and effective care to the citizens. To ensure a coordinated and efficient disaster response, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, Subrecipient Leader Todd Gibson, encourages emergency managers to facilitate relationships between community leaders and key decision makers… Read more

Tips for Local Leaders: Establish Relationships and Contacts in Advance

  When natural disasters hit, politics and personality conflicts must be set aside to provide the most immediate and effective care to the citizens. To ensure a coordinated and efficient disaster response, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, Subrecipient Leader Todd Gibson, is a strong advocate of building relationships between community leaders and key decision makers ahead of… Read more

Tips for Creating a Comprehensive Program Specifications Document

  A program specifications document is required for communities participating in HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. The document provides a framework for materials and construction methods that addresses common needs encountered by the program, from inception to closeout. Below, IBTS Build it Back Recovery Team Project Leader Josh Cummings provides tips for… Read more

How to Develop a Comprehensive CDBG-DR Program Specifications Document

  After a major disaster, entire communities often need to be elevated and rehabbed. This is a huge, often multi-year challenge to the imagination, ingenuity, perseverance and fortitude of the recovery team. To alleviate these headaches, a comprehensive program specifications document can help guide the process by outlining specifications that span from paint color to roof pitch.… Read more

IBTS Experiences Gained: What Construction Contractors Need to Know About Disaster Inspections

  Although home inspections and building code enforcement aren’t often top-of-mind for residents and community stakeholders rebuilding from a disaster, construction contractors should be well-informed on how they differ from the regular inspection process. Using building inspectors trained in disaster recovery is a must, and in ‘s program, successful inspections will determine when you can… Read more

IBTS Project Managers Experiences Gained: Contract with Trained Disaster Recovery Inspectors

  Although home inspections and building code enforcement aren’t often top-of-mind for residents and community stakeholders rebuilding from a disaster, they should be at the forefront of a program manager’s disaster rebuilding agenda. Hiring building inspectors trained in disaster recovery is a must, and what’s more, inspection costs are eligible for reimbursement under ’s program.… Read more