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
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
This guide from the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency provides FEMA Public Assistance applicants with information regarding Federal and State accounting, recordkeeping, documentation and procurement requirements. The guide includes a reference tool and checklists to assist in: Establishing accurate and complete accounting and recordkeeping systems Developing, assembling and retaining required documentation to support each… Read more
Navigating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after a flood can present challenges for many communities. Build a relationship with your state’s floodplain manager prior to a disaster, and have their contact information on-hand in the event of a flood. State Floodplain Managers – State Contacts
This presentation provides an overview of eligibility requirements, including program, project and homeowner eligibility levels. As presented to the National League of Cities, March 2017 IBTS Presentation: Eligibility Requirements (PowerPoint)
An overview of subrecipient agreements, including the definition of a subrecipient, how subrecipients differ from contractors, procurement of subrecipients, evaluating risks, the role of common interests and closeout compliance. As presented by IBTS to the National League of Cities, March 2017. Understanding Subrecipient Agreements (PowerPoint)
Well-conceived and effectively delivered emergency messages can help ensure public safety, protect property, facilitate response efforts, elicit cooperation, instill public confidence, and help families reunite. This lesson presents information about three aspects of communicating in an emergency, including: emergency communication challenges, emergency communication tools and creating effective emergency communication. FEMA Lesson Guide: Communicating in an Emergency
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