Resources

U.S. DOL Incident Command System (ICS) Activity Log

Download this fillable Activity Log (ICS 214) from the to record details of notable activities at any ICS level, including single resources, equipment, task forces and more. The logs provide basic incident activity documentation and a reference for any . Completed logs are submitted to supervisors, who forward them to the documentation unit.   FEMA… Read more

Communications in the Incident Command System

This Issue Brief presents background on communications within the and its Incident Command System (ICS). It examines the role of communications within these constructs, as well as in the context of multiagency response to disasters and emergencies. It concludes with operational best practices for effective use of incident communications units.   Communications in the Incident… Read more

Emergency Responder Lessons Learned and After Action Assessments

At the conclusion of an event, there is a need to assess how the emergency response has been conducted through the pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment phases and to identify ways to improve during each of these periods. Follow this guide from the program to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in emergency response to… Read more

Virginia: Elected Officials’ Guide to Emergencies and Disasters

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) created this guide to inform elected officials about emergency management. VDEM is the lead agency at the state level that protects the lives and property of Virginia’s citizens from emergencies and disasters by coordinating the state’s emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.    Virginia: Elected Officials’ Guide to… Read more

Washington State: Elected Officials’ Guide to Emergency Management

This guide is designed to provide Chief Elected Officials (CEOs) and their department heads with an overview of emergency management roles, responsibilities, and operations. It highlights the critical roles for which CEOs, as chief executives, are responsible.    Washington State: Elected Officials’ Guide to Emergency Management

Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Deploying Private Sector and Volunteer Resources Through EMAC

The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) provides examples of best practices and lessons learned from states’ experiences deploying private sector and volunteer resources through the in a range of natural disaster scenarios. Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Deploying Private Sector and Volunteer Resources Through EMAC

Central Speaks Newsletter: Flood Recovery Edition

After historic flooding devastated the city of Central, Louisiana in August 2016, the city’s local media outlet, Central Speaks, released a flood recovery edition of their newspaper. From public and private school updates, to mold cleanup steps and the FEMA application process, use this publication as an example of the information residents impacted by flooding need… Read more

Tips for Applicants: What to Expect During an Initial Damage Assessment

  Immediately after a natural disaster, the locality will perform an initial damage assessment to determine if the costs of damage incurred from the storm qualify for federal assistance. An initial damage assessment may be performed by a local official, a federal representative, or a team of both. They will go door-to-door in impacted areas and… Read more