Resources

Long-Term Recovery Guide

This recovery guide was prepared by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) Coalition to help localities form their own long-term recovery effort. The document includes sample job descriptions and forms that local long-term recovery groups can implement in their own operations. Learn more about the lessons learned and experience of Brazoria County,… Read more

Disaster Debris Removal Recovery Database

View the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) resources to assist localities in and around EPA Region 5 with developing a disaster recovery debris removal plan. In addition to sample plans and links to useful resources, the EPA also created an interactive map that provides information and locations of over 6,000 facilities throughout Region 5 and… Read more

CDBG-DR Application Handbook

The state of Rhode Island provided municipalities in the state with a handbook outlining the basic eligibility requirements and processes of the CDBG-DR application process. Other states administerting CDBG-DR funds can use this as an example to develop a similar handbook specific to their state and municipality’s needs.   CDBG-DR Application Handbook

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Toolkit

Compiled by the American Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive’s (ACCE’s) Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Task Force, this toolkit is intended to familiarize chambers of commerce across the country with the various components of disaster preparedness, and to connect them with helpful resources and tools for recovery. Given the unique nature of each disaster and… Read more

HUD Presentation: CDBG-DR Action Plan

This presentation on ‘s program outlines the basic process for conducting a needs assessment, developing a required “action plan” to address unmet recovery needs through eligible activities, and implementation of the action plan. It goes into detail about the different types of funding distribution options, in addition to reassessing needs and making “non-substantial” and “substantial” action plan… Read more

Integrated Public Alert & Warning System

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning Systems (IPAWS) was designed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Executive Order 13407[1] as a way to integrate and modernize the existing US population warning systems in order to save time during disaster response. The program was developed in response to criticism of the Federal government’s response to Hurricane… Read more

The Response to the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, Tornado: Lessons Learned Study

On May 22, 2011, a catastrophic Enhanced Fujita-5 (EF-5) tornado struck the City of Joplin in Jasper and Newton Counties in southwest Missouri. The tornado, which had winds in excess of 200 mph, caused 161 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries, and damaged or destroyed thousands of structures, overwhelming the capabilities of the City of Joplin,… Read more

Seasonal Disaster Planning Tips for Severe Winter Weather

  Localities prone to severe winter weather events should take advantage of the off-season to review and revise their existing winter weather plans, reflect on last season’s successes and incorporate new strategies to areas that need improvements. Use these tips to help prepare for winter seasonal disasters during the off-season. Focus on snow removal contracts… Read more

Tips for Establishing Emergency Medical Facilities

  Most small disasters don’t require temporary medical facilities to be established, but localities still must have a plan – the likelihood may be small, but the repercussions of not having a plan are monumental. Use these tips to develop a plan and coordinate available resources, staff and supplies during a disaster to setup one or… Read more

Economic Assessment of Green Infrastructure Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation: Pilot Studies in The Great Lakes Region

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it assesses the economic benefits of green infrastructure on reducing the negative impacts of flooding in communities in Minnesota and Ohio. Second, it develops an “analytical framework” that can be applied in other communities to predict the impacts of future flooding events and analyze  how green infrastructure… Read more