In the chaos of natural disaster response and recovery — or any natural disaster planning, response or recovery activity — it’s important to remember that it is against the law to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status in all disaster assistance programs in Presidentially declared disaster areas. This… Read more
In disaster recovery, the relationship and interaction between FEMA and the 50 states is critically important and based on state sovereignty concepts defined when the U.S. Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution. Federal disaster assistance is intended to supplement — not replace — state, local, and private-sector resources. In almost all cases, states must formally… Read more
FEMA’s applicant guide to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides a comprehensive user’s manual to the IHP program, from eligibility requirements, to the appeals process, FAQs and more. FEMA IHP applicants can use this both as a guide through the application process, and to gain a better understanding of the program and program requirements… Read more
This FEMA fact sheet describes the types of services available under FEMA’s , which include housing assistance and other needs assistance. The IHP program provides financial help or direct services to disaster survivors who have necessary expenses and serious needs but are unable to meet these needs through other means. Fact Sheet: What is FEMA’s… Read more
If you choose not to register with FEMA, you disqualify yourself from receiving federal disaster assistance. Potential FEMA applicants should read through this informational article from FEMA, which outlines the reasons why homeowners should register with FEMA assistance even if they think their damages and losses won’t be covered. Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not… Read more
FEMA provides funding to individuals and households following a major disaster in the form of housing assistance and funding for other disaster-caused expenses. Receiving these funds can help you recover following a disaster. However, it is important to understand how the program works. First, review eligibility requirements. To be eligible for funds, all of… Read more
If you are receiving assistance for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, elevation, or mitigation of your home after a disaster, you may be allowed to submit an appeal prior to construction to broaden the scope of work or request changes to construction material. IBTS has processed close to 2,500 homes for programs receiving funding from the the… Read more
The following FEMA courses help highlight the importance of voluntary agencies before, during and after emergencies. They can help strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for and manage the volunteers who are so often critical to recovery. These courses are most useful for emergency managers and related professionals who work with volunteers, members of… Read more
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
Claire Ruben, researcher, consultant and educator in the fields of emergency management and homeland security, shares her observations and suggestions for long-term recovery planning improvement based on her 30-years of research and experience in the field. Her account provides reflections on multiple long-term recovery case studies and makes recommendations for improvement to practitioners and researchers… Read more
