These FEMA online independent study courses are designed to help localities establish a partnership, communication, and resource sharing in vendor contracts and public-private partnerships. They provide education that helps communities have a plan in place before a disaster strikes. These courses are geared toward community planners, emergency management personnel, and anyone else in either the… Read more
Understanding on a large scale how the many agencies that are part of disaster management protocol function is an important part of the staffing evaluation process. The following courses provide a basic overview of coordination systems at local, state and federal levels of government. These courses are suitable for senior officials, emergency managers, first responders… Read more
Although localities typically have sound plans in place to meet immediate post-disaster recovery needs, many overlook long-term recovery needs — how will your community survive and thrive five, ten, twenty years after a disaster? These tips provide insight into what localities should consider while developing a basic long-term recovery plan and strategy. Engage a… Read more
This toolkit is intended to assist local publicly or privately funded economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in developing a plan of action to rebuild local economies back stronger after a natural disaster. The toolkit provides a number of actionable tools in its appendix to assist economic development organizations through the planning process. … Read more
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
To ensure a coordinated, immediate disaster rescue effort, it’s important all stakeholders — including government leaders at the local, state and federal levels — are trained and up-to-date on emerging best practices. FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused on initial rescue efforts. IS-806 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency… Read more
Staffing plans should clearly outline roles and responsibilities and be reviewed periodically to ensure every member of the disaster response team knows what they should be doing, where they should be and when they need to be there. FEMA currently offers several online independent study course that provide valuable guidance related to staffing guidelines during… Read more
Local appointed and elected officials often serve as the “spokesperson” to update the public on the response and recovery processes, including debris removal. These tips provide advice on how best to work with your local PIO and emergency management agency to keep the public up-to-date on debris removal and expedite the process. Be proactive about… Read more
Rural communities face unique challenges and regulations when it comes to debris removal in a federally-declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Alan Rosen, assistant city manager of Port Orange, Florida, about his experience working in rural communities after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. These tips provide information to help localities identify and plan for the FEMA… Read more
In certain circumstances FEMA may reimburse localities for debris removal on private property, however it is generally the responsibility of the property owner. This fact sheet provides information on scenarios in which FEMA would reimburse localities for debris pickup on private properties, in addition to other debris removal rules and regulations to ensure compliance. … Read more
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