Before grantees can receive funds, they must develop an Action Plan that details the unmet needs analysis, strategic priorities, and the plan for allocating funds to housing, economic development, infrastructure, and/or services programs. The State of Oklahoma developed this Action Plan for their $97.3 million CDBG-DR award in 2013. Although this Action Plan can’t be… Read more
This guide serves ad the central technical resource for the interpretation and application of Federal, State, and Local requirements related to the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grantee’s program implementation. It provides information on how to plan for the use of CDBG-DR funds, addresses questions related to rules and regulations, and tracks and disseminates… Read more
Situation reports issued after the initial damage assessment provide an overview of areas within local jurisdictions that have sustained damage and need to be surveyed to determine the extent of damage. Following an initial damage assessment, emergency managers are responsible for issuing the situation report. This should occur within 24 hours following the disaster event.… Read more
As one of the most vulnerable populations in disaster response and recovery, a community’s homeless population cannot be overlooked in disaster planning. June Gin, Veterans Emergency Evaluation Center (VEMEC) Research Health Scientist, recommends that stakeholders involved in the disaster planning process coordinate and collaborate with homeless service organizations during planning. If your community doesn’t have… Read more
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA’s) Elizabeth Kellar provides insight into the challenges and the importance of thinking long-term in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. From updating building code to implementing home buyout programs, Kellar cites examples of measures that communities have taken after disasters to successfully build back stronger and more resilient to… Read more
As part of disaster planning, every community should have multiple shelter locations identified and assessed. These tips provide a starting point for communities to plan and prepare for getting fully-stocked, staffed and organized shelters in place quickly after a disaster. Pre-stock shelters with enough supplies. To avoid chaos, supplies like water, non-perishable food, chairs,… Read more
FEMA’s Commonly Used Sheltering Items & Services Listing (CUSI-SL) catalog provides a list of commonly used supplies in disaster shelters, in addition to an associated catalog number, description and suggested quantity. The catalog number and description are used when requesting supplies to help ensure the correct items are ordered and delivered to the shelter. Although intended… Read more
Trained staff are essential to making it through the initial 72-hour push after a disaster, when localities often have to go it alone. They also help ensure that the proper resources are attained in the weeks and months after a disaster and that the community is fully reimbursed for disaster recovery expenses. “The best work… Read more
Trained staff are essential to making it through the initial 72-hour push after a disaster, when localities often have to go it alone. They also ensure that the proper resources are attained in the weeks and months after a disaster and that the community is fully reimbursed for disaster recovery expenses. As the emergency manager,… Read more
FEMA does not currently offer online independent study courses focused specifically on emergency shelters, but a number of offered courses help build knowledge and skill sets useful in managing them. IS-806 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance (IA) IS-802 — Emergency… Read more
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