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
Under FEMA’s Public Assistance debris removal alternative procedure pilot program, communities can reap major benefits from accelerating debris removal after a federally declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Assistant City Manager of Port Orange, Florida, Alan Rosen about his experiences using FEMA’s debris removal alternative procedures after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. Rosen’s tips provide advice and… Read more
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
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
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
Localities are responsible for ensuring that any debris removal funded through Public Assistance grants is eligible and meets all regulations. This FEMA fact sheet outlines the debris monitoring responsibilities and tasks for specific entities and provides information on how to effectively monitor FEMA Public Assistance funded debris removal to ensure compliance with program guidelines. … Read more
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
View the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) resources to assist localities in and around EPA Region 5 with developing a disaster recovery debris removal plan. In addition to sample plans and links to useful resources, the EPA also created an interactive map that provides information and locations of over 6,000 facilities throughout Region 5 and… Read more
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
Infographics can be a useful way to communicate a lot of information to the public in an easy-to-read and engaging format. The City of Boulder, Colorado, developed this infographic after destructive flash flooding inundated the city 2013 to keep the public informed about its efforts to prepare for future floods. Boulder, Colorado, Flood Infographic
