FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused specifically on the initial damage assessment. In addition, an understanding of the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs ensures that the damage assessment collects the correct information. IS-556 — Damage Assessment for Public Works IS-559 — Local Damage Assessment IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance… Read more
To ensure a coordinated, immediate disaster rescue effort, it’s important all stakeholders — including government leaders at the local, state and federal levels — are trained and up-to-date on emerging best practices. FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused on initial rescue efforts. IS-806 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency… Read more
Staffing plans should clearly outline roles and responsibilities and be reviewed periodically to ensure every member of the disaster response team knows what they should be doing, where they should be and when they need to be there. FEMA currently offers several online independent study course that provide valuable guidance related to staffing guidelines during… Read more
FEMA currently offers five online independent study courses geared to local fire and police forces. These include basic Incident Command System and National Response Framework roles as well as public alert and warning systems. IS-100.LEb — Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement IS-804 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4 – Firefighting… Read more
A communication plan is an important but often overlooked element of a community’s debris management plan. Localities can use these tips to expedite the debris removal process by sending quick and effective messages to the public. Identify and develop alternative outreach channels. Normal channels of communication may be unavailable at the time you need to… Read more
Public information officers will typically lead communication efforts to provide the public with instructions for residential debris removal after a disaster. Use these tips to work with your local emergency manager, local elected and appointed leaders, department of environmental services and local solid waste removal services or debris removal contractors to develop pre-scripted messages and… Read more
Emergency managers should work with their public information officers (PIOs), local leaders, local department of environmental services and local solid waste removal providers to develop a public communications plan for debris removal. Use these tips to develop pre-scripted messages and expedite the residential debris removal process after a disaster. Be proactive about debris removal information… Read more
Rural communities face unique challenges and regulations when it comes to debris removal in a federally-declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Alan Rosen, assistant city manager of Port Orange, Florida, about his experience working in rural communities after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. These tips provide information to help localities identify and plan for the FEMA… Read more
Claire Ruben, researcher, consultant and educator in the fields of emergency management and homeland security, shares her observations and suggestions for long-term recovery planning improvement based on her 30-years of research and experience in the field. Her account provides reflections on multiple long-term recovery case studies and makes recommendations for improvement to practitioners and researchers… Read more
Under FEMA’s Public Assistance debris removal alternative procedure pilot program, communities can reap major benefits from accelerating debris removal after a federally declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Assistant City Manager of Port Orange, Florida, Alan Rosen about his experiences using FEMA’s debris removal alternative procedures after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. Rosen’s tips provide advice and… Read more
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