Social media is typically the most immediate way to reach large numbers of constituents at one time — Public Information Officers (PIOs) and emergency managers can post messages from the field as the situation unfolds, or direct staff at the to quickly send out messages via Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and other available platforms. Use… Read more
A Go Kit is a mobile response kit that allows public information officers (PIOs) to function in the event that they are working at a remote or off-site location. The individual serving as incident command’s PIO can use this FEMA Go Kit checklist before a disaster hits to ensure they are prepared with the essential materials needed… Read more
David Maack, a long serving local Emergency Manager in Wisconsin, was asked to write a section on emergency management for a Wisconsin Counties Association Public Officials Handbook. The section provides a “job aid” for local elected officials in Wisconsin and across the U.S. Emergency Management Guide for Local Elected Officials
Governors should be prepared from the first day of their administration to manage a major disaster. A Governor’s Guide to Mass Evacuation offers key actions governors can take to prepare themselves and their states for a large scale . A Governor’s Guide to Mass Evacuations
A Governor’s Guide to Homeland Security is a comprehensive resource intended to guide governors in the critical task of providing homeland security and ensuring public safety the states. The guide contains information on the four main components of homeland security as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: prepare, prevent, respond and recover. A… Read more
“The Role of States in Disaster Recovery,” a video project produced by the Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence (CRC), highlights the roles played by state agency officials, leaders of state recovery organizations and governors in disaster recovery following extreme events. The video is part of a larger, multi-year project that includes a training guide, journal… Read more
Navigating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after a flood can present challenges for many communities. Build a relationship with your state’s floodplain manager prior to a disaster, and have their contact information on-hand in the event of a flood. State Floodplain Managers – State Contacts
Well-conceived and effectively delivered emergency messages can help ensure public safety, protect property, facilitate response efforts, elicit cooperation, instill public confidence, and help families reunite. This lesson presents information about three aspects of communicating in an emergency, including: emergency communication challenges, emergency communication tools and creating effective emergency communication. FEMA Lesson Guide: Communicating in an Emergency
Be Prepared to Bring in Staff from Surrounding Jurisdictions Have an assist plan or mutual aid agreement in place with neighboring jurisdictions. Snowplows from neighboring localities can simply extend their plow routes into other communities when needed. When short-staffed, bring in non-operations staff, such as design or construction staff, to assist with the Incident… Read more
Be Prepared to Bring in Staff from Surrounding Jurisdictions Have an assist plan or mutual aid agreement in place with other state Department of Transportation regions. Snowplows from neighboring regions can simply extend their plow routes into other regions when needed. When short-staffed, bring in non-operations staff, such as design or construction staff, to… Read more
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