This report explores why the promise of reduced flood insurance costs under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) is difficult for many jurisdictions to achieve. Using the state of Louisiana as an example, the report discusses the barriers that prevent more localities in the state from enrolling in the CRS, and also offers policy recommendations for… Read more
The goal of this publication is to provide operational practices for performing public information officer (PIO) duties within the Incident Command System (ICS). It offers basic procedures to operate an effective Joint Information System (JIS). See page 10 for a quick checklist of the PIO’s major responsibilities during a disaster. Basic Guidance for Public… Read more
Emergency response often bring images of search and rescue crews, Red Cross volunteers and firefighters to mind; but equally as important are staff who keep the public informed about all of the activities taking place to keep them safe. Often working behind the scenes, the Public Information Officer (PIO) facilitates public communications before, during, after… Read more
For Margarita Abramov, New York City contract and compliance administrator for IBTS, the process of improving compliance policies and procedures is never quite finished. “There’s always room for improvement,” she says. Abramov was responsible for program compliance oversight for recovery programs in New York City after Hurricane Sandy, a situation she notes was extreme… Read more
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that reduces flood insurance rate premiums for communities who exceed the minimum NFIP floodplain management requirements. This site provides general information and resources about the CRS for communities new to the program, and for communities already enrolled in the program looking for details… Read more
When planning for disaster, jurisdictions often overlook how they will communicate with citizens and stakeholders in the disaster area when traditional forms of communication are unavailable. Initial communications after a disaster are critical for the health and safety of residents; it’s important to have multiple plans in place for communicating in all scenarios. The… Read more
Local and state departments of transportation can download this checklist, created by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), to ensure all department supplies are stocked and that emergency devices are in working order and ready for deployment during and immediately after any severe storm event. Preparation is key in getting roadways cleared and infrastructure… Read more
The Super Circular or Omni Circular, officially called the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200) went into effect on December 26, 2014, to increase the accessibility and impact of federal program funds by decreasing time spent complying with burdensome administrative requirements and better protect against waste,… Read more
The following summarizes the history of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The early post-Great Depression legislative measures from 1932 – 1938 stimulated housing construction in the U.S. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Act of 1932 P.L. 75 – 432 First major U.S. relief legislation. Passed by Congress… Read more
Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) are the most widely used method for coordinating and managing untrained, spontaneous volunteers who arrive in the aftermath of disaster. A VRC can prevent spontaneous volunteers from overwhelming emergency management and slowing relief efforts. This presentation by the Bedford (VA) Community Health Foundation (BCHF) can be used as a tool to… Read more
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