Resources

Infographic Example: Boulder, Colorado, Flood Infographic

Infographics can be a useful way to communicate a lot of information to the public in an easy-to-read and engaging format. The City of Boulder, Colorado, developed this infographic after destructive flash flooding inundated the city 2013 to keep the public informed about its efforts to prepare for future floods.   Boulder, Colorado, Flood Infographic

CDBG-DR Application Handbook

The state of Rhode Island provided municipalities in the state with a handbook outlining the basic eligibility requirements and processes of the CDBG-DR application process. Other states administerting CDBG-DR funds can use this as an example to develop a similar handbook specific to their state and municipality’s needs.   CDBG-DR Application Handbook

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Toolkit

Compiled by the American Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive’s (ACCE’s) Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Task Force, this toolkit is intended to familiarize chambers of commerce across the country with the various components of disaster preparedness, and to connect them with helpful resources and tools for recovery. Given the unique nature of each disaster and… Read more

Overview: Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

This chapter provides a general overview of the program, including a brief synopsis of the program’s history, objectives, rules and requirements, and the process for implementing disaster recovery activities.   Overview: Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

Guide for Review of Financial Management for CDBG-DR Grantees

This guide outlines the financial management requirements for CDBG-DR grantees. It includes instructions and checklists for completing each step of the grant allocation process to ensure grantees meet all compliance requirements.   Guide for Review of Financial Management for CDBG-DR Grantees

HUD Presentation: CDBG-DR Action Plan

This presentation on ‘s program outlines the basic process for conducting a needs assessment, developing a required “action plan” to address unmet recovery needs through eligible activities, and implementation of the action plan. It goes into detail about the different types of funding distribution options, in addition to reassessing needs and making “non-substantial” and “substantial” action plan… Read more

Integrated Public Alert & Warning System

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning Systems (IPAWS) was designed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Executive Order 13407[1] as a way to integrate and modernize the existing US population warning systems in order to save time during disaster response. The program was developed in response to criticism of the Federal government’s response to Hurricane… Read more

The Response to the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, Tornado: Lessons Learned Study

On May 22, 2011, a catastrophic Enhanced Fujita-5 (EF-5) tornado struck the City of Joplin in Jasper and Newton Counties in southwest Missouri. The tornado, which had winds in excess of 200 mph, caused 161 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries, and damaged or destroyed thousands of structures, overwhelming the capabilities of the City of Joplin,… Read more

Tips for a Successful FEMA Kick Off Meeting

  Conducted by FEMA, Kickoff Meetings are designed to provide an in-depth review of the Public Assistance program and address specific applicant needs. The meeting typically occurs 5-10 days after a natural disaster, but it can be delayed for up to five or six weeks. Use these tips to prepare for your Kickoff Meeting — who… Read more

Experiences Gained: Utilities Should Communicate with Local Governments Early and Often

During and after a natural disaster, utilities and local governments must work together to ensure the safety of citizens and navigate the restoration of infrastructure. Accordingly, it is critical they share an understanding about roles, responsibilities and processes during a disaster. Even when utilities and local governments have a productive, well-established relationship with each other,… Read more