Without a comprehensive debris management plan, the debris removal process can escalate into one of the most difficult and expensive response tasks after a natural disaster. To reduce costs and accelerate the process, FEMA introduced debris removal alternative procedures. Yet despite cost benefits and incentives for quicker debris removal, few localities have taken advantage… Read more
Homeowner appeals during the recovery process are inevitable, but project managers can take preventative measures and work with case managers to reduce the number of applicant appeals — saving the applicant, project manager and agency administrating the program a significant amount of time and stress. IBTS has processed close to 2,500 homes for programs receiving… Read more
Although homeowner appeals during the recovery process are inevitable, case managers can take preventative measures to prevent applicants from taking their appeals to grantee. This can save applicants, case managers and program administrators time and hassle. IBTS has processed close to 2,500 homes for programs receiving funding from the the ’s program, and been… Read more
If you are receiving assistance for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, elevation, or mitigation of your home after a disaster, you may be allowed to submit an appeal prior to construction to broaden the scope of work or request changes to construction material. IBTS has processed close to 2,500 homes for programs receiving funding from the the… Read more
State and local officials responsible for disaster planning and management should always keep abreast of changes in the Stafford Act, especially those related to reimbursement. Debris removal, for example, is one of the most expensive operations in a disaster recovery effort. To keep costs down, FEMA introduced four new alternative procedure pilot projects that… Read more
The following FEMA online independent study courses introduce the fundamental framework of federal disaster response. In addition, specialized courses focusing on the and National Response Framework (NRF) from the perspective of specific roles are listed below: IS-2900 — National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Overview IS-100.b — Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 IS-700.a — National Incident Management… Read more
The Federal Highway Administration provides basic information and a wide range of resources to inform localities and states on the administration’s Emergency Relief Program. States must apply to the Federal Highway Administration, not FEMA, for funding to supplement state and federal assistance to repair damage to federal highways or roads on federal land caused by natural disasters.… Read more
Residents look to their elected officials for signs of hope and recovery after a natural disaster; it’s important for local elected officials to be informed enough to provide accurate — and empathetic — answers on the response and recovery process to the community. These tips provide advice for local elected officials to effectively engage… Read more
If properly managed and engaged, local elected officials can be a great asset to disaster response and recovery operations. Below, Ken Parker, retired city manager of Port Orange, Florida, provides advice for localities on how best to engage elected officials and use their strengths to boost morale across the community. “Don’t be afraid to use… Read more
If properly managed and engaged, local elected officials can be a great asset to disaster response and recovery operations. Below, Ken Parker, retired city manager of Port Orange, Florida, provides advice for city managers on how best to engage elected officials and use their strengths to boost morale across the community. “Don’t be afraid to… Read more
Stay up to date with all the latest IBTS news.