Having a social media presence is a must for emergency management agencies today, however many localities struggle to build the large following that allows social media to be effectively used to communicate with constituents and stakeholders during a natural disaster. IBTS spoke with Washington Emergency Management Digital Media Specialist Steven Friederich about the strategies… Read more
Although always a welcome site initially, donations in the aftermath of a natural disaster can quickly become an additional burden. Without a donation management and staffing plan, localities often find themselves amidst a “second disaster” as truckloads of materials pile up at unorganized donation sites. Too much of any good thing can become a bad… Read more
In August 2016, over seven trillion gallons of rain fell over the course of 48-hours in the city of Central, Louisiana, swallowing the city and much of southern Louisiana. Donations started pouring into Central almost immediately after shelters opened, far exceeding the city’s expectations and donation management plan. Director of Economic Development for the city… Read more
Download this fillable PDF, created by Ready New York, to identify essential business functions, contacts and resources that will allow your business to stay open during a disaster or quickly reopen after the incident recedes. Ready NY Template: Plan to Stay in Business — Key Business Functions (PDF) *PDF provided created by Ready New… Read more
This presentation provides an overview of eligibility requirements, including program, project and homeowner eligibility levels. As presented to the National League of Cities, March 2017 IBTS Presentation: Eligibility Requirements (PowerPoint)
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
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
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
This presentation, developed by Blake Ratcliff, Director, IBTS for the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), will walk you through grant administration and procurement. Included are the elements of a successful grant and the six areas of grant management, including the two priority areas. Note: PowerPoint presentations are best viewed in presentation mode. Grant Administration and… Read more
This provides a summary of recommended improvements to New York City’s operations based on operations before, during and after Hurricane Sandy. The report notes that it is not an exhaustive list of all lessons learned in Hurricane Sandy; rather, it is intended to provide “a roadmap of the strategic steps the City will take to… Read more
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