Cell, internet and landline service are not a given in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and unprepared communities can be thrown into disarray if communications are cut off even for a brief period. Amateur radio operator organizations and operators exist in nearly every community across the country; have a plan in place to… Read more
Disaster debris recycling can have enormous cost-saving and environmental benefits for localities if executed and documented properly. These tips outline the major types of disaster recyclable debris, their end uses and challenges to successfully recycling each. Be sure to check out IBTS’s Debris Recycling Guide for more information on the debris recycling process and regulations.… Read more
This guide provides an overview as well as best practices and tips for managing disaster debris recycling. It is intended as an introduction for local government leaders and department staff who are either new to or not fully comfortable with FEMA disaster debris recycling guidelines, however the tips and best practices described can also provide new insight for those who… Read more
There is no one-sized-fits-all approach for providing temporary housing to displaced residents after a natural disaster, yet FEMA training can provide an understanding of the basic concepts and elements of developing a temporary housing plan. FEMA offers three online independent study courses related to and Emergency Support Function #6, which both include the responsibility for… Read more
These FEMA training courses provide a foundation for building a plan before an event occurs, and specific education on funding options provided under FEMA’s and programs. These courses are geared to state, local, and tribal government personnel responsible for managing grant application processes; personnel conducting Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs); emergency management staff;… Read more
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
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
A communication plan is an important but often overlooked element of a community’s debris management plan. Localities can use these tips to expedite the debris removal process by sending quick and effective messages to the public. Identify and develop alternative outreach channels. Normal channels of communication may be unavailable at the time you need to… Read more
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
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
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