Resources

Construction Appeals Tips for Homeowner Applicants

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

FEMA Debris Removal Alternative Procedures: The Basics

  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

FEMA Training Courses: The Fundamentals

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

Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program

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

Communications Tips for Local Elected Officials

  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

Tips: Engage Local Elected Officials in Disaster Response

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

Tips for City Managers: Engage Local Elected Officials in Disaster Response

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

Tips for Localities: Coordinate with EMS Before and During Disaster

  Although EMS professional’s day-to-day activities will cross-over into disaster response, they will likely experience heightened emotional and physical stress that comes with disaster response. City managers, emergency managers, local charitable organizations and nonprofits, and other relevant community stakeholders should work with EMS managers and supervisors during disaster planning and response to provide stress relief… Read more

Tips for Emergency Managers: Coordinate with EMS Before and During Disaster

  Although EMS professional’s day-to-day activities will cross-over into disaster response, they will likely encounter responsibilities out of the ordinary, in addition to the heightened emotional and physical stress that comes with disaster response. Emergency managers should work with EMS managers and supervisors during disaster planning and response to provide stress relief for first responders… Read more

Tips for City Managers: Coordinate with EMS Before and During Disaster

Although EMS professional’s day-to-day activities will cross-over into disaster response, they will likely encounter responsibilities out of the ordinary, in addition to the heightened emotional and physical impact that comes with disaster response. City managers should work with EMS managers and supervisors during disaster planning and response to provide stress relief for first responders and… Read more