Resources

The Impacts of Hurricane Sandy on New York and Long Island

OVERVIEW A data snapshot that highlights the demographic characteristics of the people whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy and the communities in which they live. The document summarizes statewide impacts and data, defines key terms and explores data from affected counties.   What the Census Bureau Can Tell You About Some of the Communities… Read more

Hurricane Sandy Fall 2013 Update

OVERVIEW This research brief uses a dataset released by FEMA in August 2013 to examine the level of need and the response efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. This brief includes data related to FEMA inspections of those who registered for assistance and the amount that had been awarded to those with assessed damage.… Read more

Public Risk Management Assocation: Stafford Act FAQs

Frequently-asked questions about the Stafford Act from the Public Risk Management Association. (PDF). Stafford Act

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA

Legislative History of the Role of the Federal Government in Disaster Assistance

The Stafford Act constitutes the statutory authority for most federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs. In response to the to the evolving demands for federal disaster assistance, Congress has passed legislation to amend the Stafford Act to improve the role of the federal government in disaster assistance. Pre-1950… Read more

Tip: Understand How Your Locality Will Manage Program Administration

Program administration requires a significant amount of time and effort, which can place a heavy burden on localities — especially on those already coping with the disorganization following a disaster. Failing to comply with CDBG-DR program regulations can result in localities having to pay funds back to HUD. Before pursuing CDBG-DR funding, consider if your… Read more

Experiences Gained: Team Building After a Disaster – How to Plan and Pay for It

Immediately after disaster strikes, localities must quickly pull together disaster recovery teams and find funding for recovery efforts. Although any natural disaster can be devastating, community leaders can take a few strategic steps at the very start of post-disaster response to set the community up for immediate and long-term recovery success, allowing them to rebuild stronger… Read more

Experience Gained: Consultants Assist with Code Compliance and Construction

Disaster recovery can be a long, drawn-out process that takes a toll not only the community members, but also on local governments that have to provide routine services while also working to rebuild and restore the community. When disaster recovery exceeds the capacity of a local governments’ staffing capabilities and skillsets, consulting with a small,… Read more

Tips for Identifying Recordkeeping Requirements

Check the Federal Register Notices periodically to identify any additional recordkeeping requirements. HUD provides a list of required documentation, including general administrative records, financial records, project activity and more. Use these resources to develop checklists of requirements that staff can refer to.

Tips: Developing a Record Keeping System

  Communities who have been through a presidentially declared disaster cannot stress enough the importance of detailed, proper record keeping systems from the day the disaster strikes, if not before. Use these tips to setup a record keeping system in your own locality that ensures compliance with FEMA documentation requirements. Have a well-defined system in… Read more