In disaster recovery, the relationship and interaction between FEMA and the 50 states is critically important and based on state sovereignty concepts defined when the U.S. Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution. Federal disaster assistance is intended to supplement — not replace — state, local, and private-sector resources. In almost all cases, states must formally… Read more
Providing proper documentation is crucial to ensuring that your community will receive and keep funding assistance following a disaster. Yet, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the detailed documentation requirements for FEMA, HUD’s program and other funding programs. It’s always a good idea to enroll in a FEMA or CDBG-DR training course prior to… Read more
At no time in your community will communications be as critical — or as problematic — as during a disaster. Making improvements and plans during disaster planning that address the communications challenges your community is likely to face in a natural disaster will save you time and headaches when a disaster does strike. Furthermore,… Read more
Amateur radio operators and organizations can play a key role in natural disaster communications. Even if cell, landline and internet service are knocked out, radio messages can still get through. IBTS spoke with Janelle Haible, public information officer for the St. Louis Metro Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) about her experiences assisting her community during… Read more
You never know who you will need to call on for assistance during a disaster; unforeseen issues will arise, and you may need to call on a neighboring city or county, your state, or even your Congressman for assistance. Although it’s difficult, near impossible, to predict who will be able to provide what your… Read more
Planning for a natural disaster is a constant process. Although no disaster plan is ever perfect, localities that regularly review and update policies and procedures, staffing and stakeholders’ roles, and funding options are better able to manage the response and recovery effort when a disaster does strike. One of the key components to any… Read more
Regardless of the disaster recovery grant program, homeowner applicant appeals are inevitable. There will be homeowners who have legitimate appeal requests, and those that know their appeal won’t go through but expend the effort regardless. Through years of experience and thousands of applications processed, IBTS has developed a deep understanding of the nuances and… Read more
FEMA’s applicant guide to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides a comprehensive user’s manual to the IHP program, from eligibility requirements, to the appeals process, FAQs and more. FEMA IHP applicants can use this both as a guide through the application process, and to gain a better understanding of the program and program requirements… Read more
This FEMA fact sheet describes the types of services available under FEMA’s , which include housing assistance and other needs assistance. The IHP program provides financial help or direct services to disaster survivors who have necessary expenses and serious needs but are unable to meet these needs through other means. Fact Sheet: What is FEMA’s… Read more
If you choose not to register with FEMA, you disqualify yourself from receiving federal disaster assistance. Potential FEMA applicants should read through this informational article from FEMA, which outlines the reasons why homeowners should register with FEMA assistance even if they think their damages and losses won’t be covered. Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not… Read more
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