This report explores why the promise of reduced flood insurance costs under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) is difficult for many jurisdictions to achieve. Using the state of Louisiana as an example, the report discusses the barriers that prevent more localities in the state from enrolling in the CRS, and also offers policy recommendations for… Read more
Emergency response often bring images of search and rescue crews, Red Cross volunteers and firefighters to mind; but equally as important are staff who keep the public informed about all of the activities taking place to keep them safe. Often working behind the scenes, the Public Information Officer (PIO) facilitates public communications before, during, after… Read more
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that reduces flood insurance rate premiums for communities who exceed the minimum NFIP floodplain management requirements. This site provides general information and resources about the CRS for communities new to the program, and for communities already enrolled in the program looking for details… Read more
When planning for disaster, jurisdictions often overlook how they will communicate with citizens and stakeholders in the disaster area when traditional forms of communication are unavailable. Initial communications after a disaster are critical for the health and safety of residents; it’s important to have multiple plans in place for communicating in all scenarios. The… Read more
The Super Circular or Omni Circular, officially called the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200) went into effect on December 26, 2014, to increase the accessibility and impact of federal program funds by decreasing time spent complying with burdensome administrative requirements and better protect against waste,… Read more
The following summarizes the history of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The early post-Great Depression legislative measures from 1932 – 1938 stimulated housing construction in the U.S. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Act of 1932 P.L. 75 – 432 First major U.S. relief legislation. Passed by Congress… Read more
Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) are the most widely used method for coordinating and managing untrained, spontaneous volunteers who arrive in the aftermath of disaster. A VRC can prevent spontaneous volunteers from overwhelming emergency management and slowing relief efforts. This presentation by the Bedford (VA) Community Health Foundation (BCHF) can be used as a tool to… Read more
A post-disaster town hall meeting is one of the first and most important opportunities for local leaders to update the community on the status of recovery, and set the tone for the entire recovery process. Download this post-disaster town hall meeting agenda template as a Word Document and customize the time, location and content of the… Read more
Tracking volunteer credentials and efforts are an essential part of successfully managing both spontaneous and s, ensuring volunteer safety and also maximizing FEMA funding and reimbursement available for utilizing volunteer services. Download this Excel spreadsheet from the Glade Hill (VA) Volunteer Fire Department to use as a template for tracking volunteer efforts in your locality. You… Read more
The purpose of a plan is to provide the framework for an organization to restore essential functions in the event of an emergency that affects essential operations. Download this customizable template for local government departments and follow the provided instructions on how to fill in the correct information to meet the needs of your jurisdiction and… Read more
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