State and local officials responsible for disaster planning and management should always keep abreast of changes in the Stafford Act, especially those related to reimbursement. Debris removal, for example, is one of the most expensive operations in a disaster recovery effort. To keep costs down, FEMA introduced four new alternative procedure pilot projects that… Read more
The following FEMA online independent study courses introduce the fundamental framework of federal disaster response. In addition, specialized courses focusing on the and National Response Framework (NRF) from the perspective of specific roles are listed below: IS-2900 — National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Overview IS-100.b — Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 IS-700.a — National Incident Management… Read more
The Federal Highway Administration provides basic information and a wide range of resources to inform localities and states on the administration’s Emergency Relief Program. States must apply to the Federal Highway Administration, not FEMA, for funding to supplement state and federal assistance to repair damage to federal highways or roads on federal land caused by natural disasters.… Read more
Residents look to their elected officials for signs of hope and recovery after a natural disaster; it’s important for local elected officials to be informed enough to provide accurate — and empathetic — answers on the response and recovery process to the community. These tips provide advice for local elected officials to effectively engage… Read more
Although EMS professional’s day-to-day activities will cross-over into disaster response, they will likely experience heightened emotional and physical stress that comes with disaster response. City managers, emergency managers, local charitable organizations and nonprofits, and other relevant community stakeholders should work with EMS managers and supervisors during disaster planning and response to provide stress relief… Read more
Urban localities areas face unique challenges challenges when it comes to communications; they must manage a high volume of messaging and public input across a broad scope of communications channels before, during and after disasters. IBTS spoke with Vito Turso, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deputy commissioner, about his department’s experience communicating with… Read more
Cell, internet and landline service are not a given in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and unprepared communities can be thrown into disarray if communications are cut off even for a brief period. Amateur radio operator organizations and operators exist in nearly every community across the country; have a plan in place to… Read more
Disaster debris removal in urban environments presents officials, city agencies and debris removal contractors with a mix of advantages and challenges. IBTS spoke with New York City Department of Sanitation Deputy Commissioner (DSNY) Vito Turso about his experience navigating debris removal after Hurricane Sandy. The following tips and best practices provide guidance for large cities… Read more
Disaster debris recycling can have enormous cost-saving and environmental benefits for localities if executed and documented properly. These tips outline the major types of disaster recyclable debris, their end uses and challenges to successfully recycling each. Be sure to check out IBTS’s Debris Recycling Guide for more information on the debris recycling process and regulations.… Read more
This guide provides an overview as well as best practices and tips for managing disaster debris recycling. It is intended as an introduction for local government leaders and department staff who are either new to or not fully comfortable with FEMA disaster debris recycling guidelines, however the tips and best practices described can also provide new insight for those who… Read more
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