A Governor’s Guide to Homeland Security is a comprehensive resource intended to guide governors in the critical task of providing homeland security and ensuring public safety the states. The guide contains information on the four main components of homeland security as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: prepare, prevent, respond and recover. A… Read more
“The Role of States in Disaster Recovery,” a video project produced by the Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence (CRC), highlights the roles played by state agency officials, leaders of state recovery organizations and governors in disaster recovery following extreme events. The video is part of a larger, multi-year project that includes a training guide, journal… Read more
Before construction on your home begins, you will work closely with your case manager, designers, architects and contractors to ensure you are satisfied with the construction plan and that your home is safe, up to code and in compliance with the specific program requirements. Below are tips for what applicants repairing or rebuilding their homes… Read more
Keeping a constant stream of communications with homeowners throughout the pre-construction process is important both to ensure homeowners are satisfied with program results and that program administrators and subcontractors are compliant with program, state and federal rules and regulations. Use the following tips when communicating with homeowners about the nuts and bolts at different points… Read more
Conduct the inspection quickly to accommodate the homeowner. The most important thing during an inspection is accommodating the homeowner. Have a route planned for how you will navigate through the home; typically floor-by-floor works best. Have a streamlined template for inspection reports. Use a spreadsheet that includes a description of each line item. Put the… Read more
Document Everything from the Start Track each applicant from start to finish. Have a system in place for documenting each individual homeowner throughout the entire process. When does audits on applicants, they can ask about any point during the process; documenting by applicant is critical for having the correct data to meet HUD requirements. Set… Read more
Hold a town hall meeting early on in the post disaster recovery process. Work with community leaders to organize a town hall meeting to educate homeowners on the application process and program timeline. Provide applicants with your contact information so they can reach out with questions. Don’t set expectations too high or too low. … Read more
Get in contact at the start. As soon as applications come in, call every homeowner to explain the process, timeline and steps that will take place. Make sure the applicant has a voice. The first time you speak with any homeowner, listen to their story before asking questions and collecting information. Let the applicant… Read more
After a flood, ensuring staff and homeowners understand the requirements and procedures of the often presents unexpected challenges for localities. Staff and homeowners must have a clear understanding of the detailed rules and processes of the NFIP — especially the concept of — to accurately assess damage and know what actions will be required as a result.… Read more
Have a Plan and Share it with the Community Publicly communicate the plan the local government has in place for initial damage assessments – community members want to know that you won’t arbitrarily pull together a damage assessment team when disaster strikes. Have designated, trained officials prepared to conduct damage assessments, and let the community… Read more
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