The impacts of natural disasters on homeless populations has largely been unexplored, leaving a knowledge gap in current disaster research. This study provides new insight into the topic, focusing specifically on how the homeless in Hoboken and Atlantic City, New Jersey learned about Hurricane sandy, how the disaster impacted the daily lives of the homeless,… Read more
This FEMA guide outlines six planning steps and associated key activities to assist local governments in developing a comprehensive disaster response and recovery plan. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities and building relationships across community and regional leaders, organizations and individuals before a disaster can help your community become more resilient and recover faster from disasters.… Read more
This publication provides practical guidance for local officials, emergency planners, homeless service providers and others involved with their community’s disaster planning process to better meet the needs of homeless populations after a natural disaster. The publication covers a range of topics, including: defining special needs populations, personal preparedness, communication, transportation and evacuation, sheltering, health status… Read more
King County, Washington, developed a suite of tools and resources to assist community agencies that deal with vulnerable populations in becoming more prepared and resilient in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. The tool outlines 13 standards that a community agency should work towards, ranging from communications tools to emergency payment procedures and… Read more
State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide guidance to ensure localities take full advantage of regional training opportunities. Find out if your state… Read more
When natural disasters hit, politics and personality conflicts must be set aside to provide the most immediate and effective care to the citizens. To ensure a coordinated and efficient disaster response, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, Subrecipient Leader Todd Gibson, is a strong advocate of building relationships between community leaders and key decision makers ahead of… Read more
A program specifications document is required for communities participating in HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. The document provides a framework for materials and construction methods that addresses common needs encountered by the program, from inception to closeout. Below, IBTS Build it Back Recovery Team Project Leader Josh Cummings provides tips for… Read more
After a major disaster, entire communities often need to be elevated and rehabbed. This is a huge, often multi-year challenge to the imagination, ingenuity, perseverance and fortitude of the recovery team. To alleviate these headaches, a comprehensive program specifications document can help guide the process by outlining specifications that span from paint color to roof pitch.… Read more
Although home inspections and building code enforcement aren’t often top-of-mind for residents and community stakeholders rebuilding from a disaster, they are vital to a successful disaster recovery and rebuilding program. Hiring building inspectors trained in disaster recovery is a must, and what’s more, inspection costs are eligible for reimbursement under ’s program. “What can… Read more
In the chaos of natural disaster response and recovery — or any natural disaster planning, response or recovery activity — it’s important to remember that it is against the law to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status in all disaster assistance programs in Presidentially declared disaster areas. This… Read more
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