Resources

Tips: Best Practices for Building a Social Media Following

  Having a social media presence is a must for emergency management agencies today, however many localities struggle to build the large following that allows social media to be effectively used to communicate with constituents and stakeholders during a natural disaster. IBTS spoke with Washington Emergency Management Digital Media Specialist Steven Friederich about the strategies… Read more

Major Disaster Declarations for Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storms: An Overview

This report describes snow assistance and assistance for severe winter storms, the declaration process, the criteria used to make eligibility determinations and the types of assistance that are provided after the President has issued a major disaster declaration for the incident.   Major Disaster Declarations for Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storms: An Overview

Experiences Gained: Managing Donations and Volunteers in Central, Louisiana

Although always a welcome site initially, donations in the aftermath of a natural disaster can quickly become an additional burden. Without a donation management and staffing plan, localities often find themselves amidst a “second disaster” as truckloads of materials pile up at unorganized donation sites. Too much of any good thing can become a bad… Read more

NEMA PIO Subcommittee Social Media Survey Report May 2016

Results of a National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) survey to determine the social media channels employed by emergency management agencies for public information use. Respondents were state emergency management agencies. States were also asked to break down what types of posts were the most effective, challenges they face and needs they have to be more successful.… Read more

Tips for Managing Donations

In August 2016, over seven trillion gallons of rain fell over the course of 48-hours in the city of Central, Louisiana, swallowing the city and much of southern Louisiana. Donations started pouring into Central almost immediately after shelters opened, far exceeding the city’s expectations and donation management plan. Director of Economic Development for the city… Read more

Fire Service Operations for the Southeastern Tornados — April 2011

This report condenses a series of meetings held in the summer of 2011 to look at fire department and emergency medical services (EMS) organization activities in Alabama and Georgia during the April 2011 tornados that ripped through southeastern U.S. The report provides an insight into the routines and needs of local fire and EMS agencies in disasters… Read more

Tips for Local Agencies: Communicating with Stakeholders and the Media

  Communication and coordination among and between local and state agencies before, during and after a natural disaster is critical, yet local agencies often find themselves lacking sufficient communications plans and struggling to communicate efficiently with other local agencies and state representatives during an incident. Use these tips to identify common areas of disconnect and… Read more

CDBG Disaster Recovery: Recordkeeping Requirements & Website Maintenance

Use this presentation to get a broad understanding of the recordkeeping and website maintenance requirements.   CDBG Disaster Recovery: Recordkeeping Requirements & Website Maintenance 

Tips for Case Managers: Best Practices for Customer Service

Applying for an award claim can be overwhelming and frustrating for homeowners who are still struggling with the emotional and financial implications of their loss. Erica Bueno, lead case manager for IBTS, has years of experience assisting homeowners through the application process and knows how arduous it can be both for homeowners and for case… Read more

Elected Officials’ Guide to Emergency Management in California

This guide is a condensed summary of emergency management responsibilities in the event of an emergency or disaster designed to provide local elected officials in California with an understanding and overview of emergency management in the state.   Elected Officials’ Guide to Emergency Management in California