This paper outlines the major “Lessons Learned” by municipalities in responding to Superstorm Sandy. The report identifies what worked and what did not, focusing on three areas: providing basic services, meeting the needs of special populations, and allocating resources. It also identifies what needs attention and ways to build resilience before the next inevitable disaster.… Read more
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. Economic damages from Hurricane Sandy attributable to sea level rise caused by anthropogenic… Read more
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. A decade after superstorm Sandy, New Jersey’s infrastructure is considerably more prepared… Read more
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
Frequently-asked questions about the Stafford Act from the Public Risk Management Association. (PDF). Stafford Act
The Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA
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
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
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.
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
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