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
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
This document provides a framework for the initial steps of setting up a “whole community” long-term recovery group, in addition to a sample agenda for hosting an orientation meeting to discuss the development of a local long-term disaster recovery plan. It was created by the Iniative Foundation, a nonprofit that works to strengthen the economy… 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
This recovery guide was prepared by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) Coalition to help localities form their own long-term recovery effort. The document includes sample job descriptions and forms that local long-term recovery groups can implement in their own operations. Learn more about the lessons learned and experience of Brazoria County,… Read more
The state of Rhode Island provided municipalities in the state with a handbook outlining the basic eligibility requirements and processes of the CDBG-DR application process. Other states administerting CDBG-DR funds can use this as an example to develop a similar handbook specific to their state and municipality’s needs. CDBG-DR Application Handbook
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 presentation on ‘s program outlines the basic process for conducting a needs assessment, developing a required “action plan” to address unmet recovery needs through eligible activities, and implementation of the action plan. It goes into detail about the different types of funding distribution options, in addition to reassessing needs and making “non-substantial” and “substantial” action plan… Read more
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning Systems (IPAWS) was designed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Executive Order 13407[1] as a way to integrate and modernize the existing US population warning systems in order to save time during disaster response. The program was developed in response to criticism of the Federal government’s response to Hurricane… Read more
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