Although localities typically have sound plans in place to meet immediate post-disaster recovery needs, many overlook long-term recovery needs — how will your community survive and thrive five, ten, twenty years after a disaster? These tips provide insight into what localities should consider while developing a basic long-term recovery plan and strategy. Engage a… Read more
FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused specifically on the initial damage assessment. In addition, an understanding of the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs ensures that the damage assessment collects the correct information. IS-556 — Damage Assessment for Public Works IS-559 — Local Damage Assessment IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance… Read more
A communication plan is an important but often overlooked element of a community’s debris management plan. Localities can use these tips to expedite the debris removal process by sending quick and effective messages to the public. Identify and develop alternative outreach channels. Normal channels of communication may be unavailable at the time you need to… Read more
Rural communities face unique challenges and regulations when it comes to debris removal in a federally-declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Alan Rosen, assistant city manager of Port Orange, Florida, about his experience working in rural communities after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. These tips provide information to help localities identify and plan for the FEMA… Read more
In certain circumstances FEMA may reimburse localities for debris removal on private property, however it is generally the responsibility of the property owner. This fact sheet provides information on scenarios in which FEMA would reimburse localities for debris pickup on private properties, in addition to other debris removal rules and regulations to ensure compliance. … Read more
Under FEMA’s Public Assistance debris removal alternative procedure pilot program, communities can reap major benefits from accelerating debris removal after a federally declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Assistant City Manager of Port Orange, Florida, Alan Rosen about his experiences using FEMA’s debris removal alternative procedures after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. Rosen’s tips provide advice and… Read more
This article from the Management Disaster & Recovery Journal highlights the importance of partnership-building in long-term recovery planning efforts and the role it plays in achieving economic revitalization and keeping a community safe in a time of disaster. Long-Term Recovery Planning: What You Need to Know
Localities are responsible for ensuring that any debris removal funded through Public Assistance grants is eligible and meets all regulations. This FEMA fact sheet outlines the debris monitoring responsibilities and tasks for specific entities and provides information on how to effectively monitor FEMA Public Assistance funded debris removal to ensure compliance with program guidelines. … Read more
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
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)
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