Resources

Tips: Have a Debris Removal Public Communications Plan

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

Long Term Recovery from Disasters — The Neglected Component of Emergency Management

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

Setting up a Whole Community Long-Term Disaster Recovery Team before a Disaster

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

Long-Term Recovery Planning: What You Need to Know

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

Long-Term Disaster Recovery – Best Practices

This narrative covers a wide array of best practices and lessons learned by the Wadena-Otter Tail Long Term Recovery Committee after multiple tornadoes devastated Otter Tail and Wadena Counties, Minnesota. The author provides advice for organizing and implementing long-term recovery groups, and best practices for using volunteers. The document also includes samples of forms and… Read more

Long-Term Recovery Guide

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

Grant Closeout Instructions: State CDBG Program

This notice was administered by to provide policy guidance, procedural instructions and relevant forms for Community Planning and Development (CPD) Field Offices, and state/entitlement grantees, insular areas and non-entitlement counties in Hawaii to close out a award (see page 48). Be aware CDBG-DR funds are still subject to the CDBG program requirements in 24 CFR Part 570,… Read more

CDBG-DR Application Handbook

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

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Toolkit

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

Overview: Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

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)