Homeowner appeals during the recovery process are inevitable and time-consuming, they should be a last resort for applicants. IBTS has processed close to 2,500 homes for programs receiving funding from the the HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, and been able to mitigate nearly all homeowner appeals — saving the locality and the applicant valuable… Read more
Without a comprehensive debris management plan, the debris removal process can escalate into one of the most difficult and expensive response tasks after a natural disaster. To reduce costs and accelerate the process, FEMA introduced debris removal alternative procedures. Yet despite cost benefits and incentives for quicker debris removal, few localities have taken advantage… Read more
The following FEMA online independent study courses introduce the fundamental framework of federal disaster response. In addition, specialized courses focusing on the and National Response Framework (NRF) from the perspective of specific roles are listed below: IS-2900 — National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Overview IS-100.b — Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 IS-700.a — National Incident Management… Read more
The Federal Highway Administration provides basic information and a wide range of resources to inform localities and states on the administration’s Emergency Relief Program. States must apply to the Federal Highway Administration, not FEMA, for funding to supplement state and federal assistance to repair damage to federal highways or roads on federal land caused by natural disasters.… Read more
If properly managed and engaged, local elected officials can be a great asset to disaster response and recovery operations. Below, Ken Parker, retired city manager of Port Orange, Florida, provides advice for localities on how best to engage elected officials and use their strengths to boost morale across the community. “Don’t be afraid to use… Read more
Although EMS professional’s day-to-day activities will cross-over into disaster response, they will likely experience heightened emotional and physical stress that comes with disaster response. City managers, emergency managers, local charitable organizations and nonprofits, and other relevant community stakeholders should work with EMS managers and supervisors during disaster planning and response to provide stress relief… Read more
Urban localities areas face unique challenges challenges when it comes to communications; they must manage a high volume of messaging and public input across a broad scope of communications channels before, during and after disasters. IBTS spoke with Vito Turso, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deputy commissioner, about his department’s experience communicating with… 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
The following FEMA courses help highlight the importance of voluntary agencies before, during and after emergencies. They can help strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for and manage the volunteers who are so often critical to recovery. These courses are most useful for emergency managers and related professionals who work with volunteers, members of… 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
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