During severe winter weather events, the public has an undying need for information — when will their roads be plowed, will schools shut down, is more snow expected? Providing them with constant updates is essential for setting clear expectations about your locality’s snow removal capabilities during a given storm, and it’s likely that the… Read more
After “Snowzilla” dumped more than 26 inches of snow on Arlington County, Virginia in January 2016, the county had to supplement their 40-pieces of snow removal equipment with 200 pieces of contracted equipment to keep up with storm. Mike Moon, deputy director of operations for Arlington County, Virginia, Environmental Services, was tasked with coordinating… Read more
Reimbursement for snow assistance and winter storms requires highly-specific documentation, often for specific time periods or completing certain tasks. FEMA typically reimburses for a continuous 48-hour period of the storm, and for specific tasks like making two lanes passable on an arterial roadway. Use these tips to ensure your locality’s snow removal agency has proper… Read more
The Tulsa, Oklahoma Area Emergency Management Agency launched the “Tulsa Ready” App for smart phones to create a more interactive public communications interface that better meets the needs of today’s public. The app helps residents prepare for natural disasters, communicate with family members during an event and also allows emergency management to send severe weather… Read more
Use this fact sheet to get a basic understanding of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The program provides financial and/or direct assistance to eligible applicants who, as a result of a major disaster or emergency, have necessary expenses and serious needs they are unable to meet through insurance or other means. FEMA Fact… Read more
Planning for temporary housing assistance can be one of the most difficult aspects of preparing for a natural disaster due to the unpredictability of a storm’s impact on a locality’s housing stock. Likewise, each community has unique risks and resources when it comes to temporary housing — there is no “one-sized-fits-all” approach. NGOs, non-profits… Read more
Planning for temporary housing assistance can be one of the most difficult aspects of preparing for a natural disaster due to the unpredictability of a storm’s impact on a locality’s housing stock. Likewise, each community has unique risks and resources when it comes to temporary housing — there is no “one-sized-fits-all” approach. It’s important to… Read more
This presentation, given at the 2013 Disaster Preparedness Summit, provides a basic explanation of social media and its prevalence, followed by an overview of social media use during the 2011 Joplin tornado, during Hurricane Sandy and during the Boston Marathon bombings. It concludes with best practices and lessons learned from the three events. Social Media… Read more
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate speaks to the impact of social media on emergency management over the years and how it is changing the way emergency managers do everything from gathering information to protecting the public. Video: Social Media and Emergency Management
During a long-term power outage, communications with utility companies often present one of the biggest challenges for local emergency management agencies. Use these tips to build and maintain a relationship with the local utility that allows for an open flow of information before, during and after a weather-induced power outage. Maintain your relationship with utilities… Read more
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