Resources

Tips for Reviewing Documentation during CDBG-DR Accounting Closeout

During accounting closeout of your CDBG-DR grant program, it is critical to review all documentation. Keep a checklist of all documentation that requires review. Checklist items will likely include: Equipment and labor receipts A master recap of all invoices from and payments to consultants Teaming partners and other third parties Final calculations Internal records and… Read more

Experiences Gained: Documentation, Documentation, Documentation!

Paperwork is often the last thing people think of after a natural disaster, yet it’s one of the most important and complicated components of the disaster recovery process. All disaster-related damages and expenses must be explicitly documented to provide verification to FEMA, HUD and other funding program entities. Be aware that the amount and specificity… Read more

Experiences Gained: Documentation During Response and Recovery

Paperwork is often the last thing people think of after a natural disaster, yet it’s one of the most important and complicated components of the disaster recovery process. Jurisdictions in the recovery process can be overwhelmed by the amount and specificity of documentation needed. But familiarizing staff with requirements and developing checklists during disaster planning… Read more

FEMA Public Assistance Debris Management Guide

FEMA developed this guide to provide communities with a framework for structuring their own debris management plan or ensuring that their existing plan is consistent with FEMA’s eligibility criteria. This is part of FEMA’s efforts to encourage communities to take a proactive approach to creating and managing debris removal operations as part of their overall… Read more

FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program Guide for Debris Removal

This guide provides an overview of and the steps for implementing FEMA’s alternative procedures for debris removal. FEMA is currently piloting these procedures.   FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program Guide for Debris Removal, Version 5 [PDF]  

Experiences Gained: Debris Removal in Louisiana

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the coastal city of New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005, they left trail of destruction in their wake. In total, 80 percent of the city was flooded by the waters that breached the levees intended to protect the city. The epic flooding created an equally monumental amount of debris. “After… Read more

Experiences Gained: Having a Plan for Debris Removal in Port Orange, Florida

During a disaster, the aspects of day-to-day life such as transportation, communication and acquisition of goods, become increasingly difficult. Communities are left in a state of fluctuation and instability that is only exacerbated by the problem of debris and debris removal. In order to return a community back to normal, effective and efficient debris removal… Read more

Tips for Managing Debris Removal

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the coastal city of New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005, they left a trail of destruction in their wake, including a monumental amount of debris. Dr. Chuck Carr Brown, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, managed the massive debris removal effort in New Orleans. Below are Brown’s tips… Read more

Introduction to FEMA

In disaster recovery, the role that the Stafford Act plays in how FEMA is authorized to provide disaster assistance funding is critically important, but it is challenging for localities to understand all the requirements. Below is a brief overview of the Stafford Act. Additionally, tools and resources are available for helping communities meet requirements.

Example: Design Consultation Version Control

To maintain the integrity of the design consultation process, a best practice is to use a scope and version control system. See the document below for an example, and see the Scope/Estimate Version Control tool  for a template you can download and customize.