FEMA’s Commonly Used Sheltering Items & Services Listing (CUSI-SL) catalog provides a list of commonly used supplies in disaster shelters, in addition to an associated catalog number, description and suggested quantity. The catalog number and description are used when requesting supplies to help ensure the correct items are ordered and delivered to the shelter. Although intended… Read more
Trained staff are essential to making it through the initial 72-hour push after a disaster, when localities often have to go it alone. They also help ensure that the proper resources are attained in the weeks and months after a disaster and that the community is fully reimbursed for disaster recovery expenses. “The best work… Read more
FEMA does not currently offer online independent study courses focused specifically on emergency shelters, but a number of offered courses help build knowledge and skill sets useful in managing them. IS-806 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance (IA) IS-802 — Emergency… Read more
As one of the most vulnerable populations in disaster response and recovery, a community’s homeless population cannot be overlooked in disaster planning. June Gin, Veterans Emergency Evaluation Center (VEMEC) Research Health Scientist, recommends that local leaders and disaster professionals coordinate and collaborate with homeless service organizations during disaster planning. If your community doesn’t have a… Read more
FEMA offers seven online independent study related to public works, transportation, energy and infrastructure restoration. IS-558 — Public Works and Disaster Recovery IS-921.a — Implementing Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience IS-554 — Emergency Planning for Public Works IS-801 — Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #1 – Transportation IS-812 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) # 12 –… Read more
Moving or disposing of debris improperly can disqualify communities and individuals from being eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Any stakeholder who may assist in debris removal efforts should take FEMA’s online independent study course devoted to debris management. IS-632.a — Introduction to Debris Operations
FEMA’s Community Recovery Management Toolkit offers guidance, case studies, tools and training to help jurisdictions navigate the often overlooked long-term disaster recovery planning process. The guide includes sections focused on organization, recovery planning and managing recovery, and also provides resources to assist core capability functions, such as housing, infrastructure and health and human services. … Read more
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is the national mutual aid system for states through which a wide range of resources can be deployed — from emergency medical services, to law enforcement and mass care assistance. One of the first successful large-scale implementations of EMAC was in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. William Whitson,… Read more
This form was created by the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County to collect relevant and necessary information from homeless service agencies in the City of Houston. Key elements include contact info, populations served, services provided, participation in the state client registry and participation in other relevant programs. Localities can use this as an… Read more
Homeless populations are one of the most vulnerable groups after a natural disaster, yet they are often overlooked in disaster planning. This toolkit provides step-by-step guidance, strategies, advice and resources to help homeless service and disaster professionals identify who to collaborate with and how to build and maintain partnerships to address the needs of homeless… Read more
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