Resources

National Emergency Responder Credentialing

This document describes baseline and additional EMS criteria for the National Emergency Response Credentialing System. It provides job descriptions and specific NIMS and ICS course training requirements for 16 specialized EMS positions, including: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Air Medical Transport Manager or Administrator Air Medical Transport Mechanic Air Medical Transport Paramedic Air Medical Transport Physician Air… Read more

Tips: Disaster Communications in Urban Areas

  Urban localities areas face unique challenges challenges when it comes to communications; they must manage a high volume of messaging and public input across a broad scope of communications channels before, during and after disasters. IBTS spoke with Vito Turso, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deputy commissioner, about his department’s  experience communicating with… Read more

Tips for Emergency Management: Disaster Communications in Urban Areas

  Emergency management agencies in urban areas face unique challenges; they must manage a high volume of messaging and public input across a broad scope of communications platforms and oftentimes multiple municipalities. IBTS spoke with Vito Turso, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deputy commissioner, about his department’s experience communicating with the public and other… Read more

Tips for Public Information Officers: Disaster Communications in Urban Areas

  Public information officers (PIOs) in urban areas face unique challenges; they must manage a high volume of messaging and public input across a broad scope of communications channels before, during and after disasters. IBTS spoke with Vito Turso, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deputy commissioner, about his department’s  experience communicating with the public… Read more

Tips: Coordinate with Local Amateur Radio Associations

  Cell, internet and landline service are not a given in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and unprepared communities can be thrown into disarray if communications are cut off even for a brief period. Amateur radio operator organizations and operators exist in nearly every community across the country; have a plan in place to… Read more

Tips for Urban Debris Removal

Disaster debris removal in urban environments presents officials, city agencies and debris removal contractors with a mix of advantages and challenges. IBTS spoke with New York City Department of Sanitation Deputy Commissioner (DSNY) Vito Turso about his experience navigating debris removal after Hurricane Sandy. The following tips and best practices provide guidance for large cities… Read more

Disaster Debris Recycling Tips

Disaster debris recycling can have enormous cost-saving and environmental benefits for localities if executed and documented properly. These tips outline the major types of disaster recyclable debris, their end uses and challenges to successfully recycling each. Be sure to check out IBTS’s Debris Recycling Guide for more information on the debris recycling process and regulations.… Read more

A Guide to Recycling Disaster Debris

  This guide provides an overview as well as best practices and tips for managing disaster debris recycling. It is intended as an introduction for local government leaders and department staff who are either new to or not fully comfortable with FEMA disaster debris recycling guidelines, however the tips and best practices described can also provide new insight for those who… Read more

FEMA Training Courses: Lessons Learned

FEMA’s online independent study course, “Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning,” covers the methodology for completing after action reports.   IS-130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning

FEMA Training Courses: Volunteer Engagement

The following FEMA courses help highlight the importance of voluntary agencies before, during and after emergencies. They can help strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for and manage the volunteers who are so often critical to recovery. These courses are most useful for emergency managers and related professionals who work with volunteers, members of… Read more