The GridWise Alliance (GWA) conducted a workshop entitled “Grid Modernization Impacts During Superstorm Sandy and Other Very Large Scale Grid Events” to explore challenges and opportunities that very large scale events (VLSEs) events present to the electric system. This report notes that grid modernization alone cannot adequately ensure that the electric grid is safe, secure,… Read more
This article argues that the issues were related more to communication and coordination rather than capacity and capability. “Resources did not always make it the last mile to reach those most in need.” Also emphasizes the need for better understanding of (a) reasons that citizens defy public mandatory evacuation orders and (b) how to communicate… Read more
The Obama administration aspires to work with communities to help them rebuild smarter and better by providing the best data about the risks they face, setting clear resilience standards to help protect against those risks, and bringing a wide range of stakeholders together to foster innovative ideas and ensure a comprehensive regional approach to rebuilding.… Read more
This after-action report provides an overview of Hurricane Sandy, its impacts and response, as well as recommendations for improvement. Primary areas of improvement as recommended by the report include: Ensuring unity of effort across the Federal response Being survivor-centric Fostering unity of effort across the whole community Developing an agile, professional emergency management workforce Unity… Read more
This report by The Heritage Foundation Emergency Preparedness Working Group lists its recommendations for preparing for and responding to natural disasters in the future, including: FEMA must no longer be made to respond to all manner of routine disasters, only major catastrophic ones. The National Guard and Coast Guard were more successful than FEMA; ensure… Read more
An EF-5 Tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011, with damage estimated at up to $3 billion. Yet Joplin has seen a rapid recovery despite the extensive damage. The Joplin tornado provides an opportunity to determine if findings from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina apply to other major natural disasters. This study uses interviews… Read more
A collection of 13 reports on lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy related to health systems and services. The report’s first section includes and Executive Summary of each article. Common recommendations included filling gaps in planning, communication and coordination, more integrated systems, more practice and training between facilities, building in redundancies, clarifying authority, preparing for environmental… Read more
One week after Hurricane Sandy, the author recommends short-term and long-term preparations that can help reduce the impact of such disasters. Short-term preparation focuses on planning, early warning, and preparedness. Long-term preparation focuses primarily on strengthening building codes and infrastructure. The Lessons Learned From Hurricane Sandy
Frequently-asked questions about the Stafford Act from the Public Risk Management Association. (PDF). Stafford Act
The Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA
