FEMA currently offers two online independent study courses focused specifically on the initial damage assessment. In addition, an understanding of the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs ensures that the damage assessment collects the correct information. IS-556 — Damage Assessment for Public Works IS-559 — Local Damage Assessment IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance… Read more
Staffing plans should clearly outline roles and responsibilities and be reviewed periodically to ensure every member of the disaster response team knows what they should be doing, where they should be and when they need to be there. FEMA currently offers several online independent study course that provide valuable guidance related to staffing guidelines during… Read more
A communication plan is an important but often overlooked element of a community’s debris management plan. Localities can use these tips to expedite the debris removal process by sending quick and effective messages to the public. Identify and develop alternative outreach channels. Normal channels of communication may be unavailable at the time you need to… Read more
Rural communities face unique challenges and regulations when it comes to debris removal in a federally-declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Alan Rosen, assistant city manager of Port Orange, Florida, about his experience working in rural communities after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. These tips provide information to help localities identify and plan for the FEMA… Read more
In certain circumstances FEMA may reimburse localities for debris removal on private property, however it is generally the responsibility of the property owner. This fact sheet provides information on scenarios in which FEMA would reimburse localities for debris pickup on private properties, in addition to other debris removal rules and regulations to ensure compliance. … Read more
Claire Ruben, researcher, consultant and educator in the fields of emergency management and homeland security, shares her observations and suggestions for long-term recovery planning improvement based on her 30-years of research and experience in the field. Her account provides reflections on multiple long-term recovery case studies and makes recommendations for improvement to practitioners and researchers… Read more
Under FEMA’s Public Assistance debris removal alternative procedure pilot program, communities can reap major benefits from accelerating debris removal after a federally declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Assistant City Manager of Port Orange, Florida, Alan Rosen about his experiences using FEMA’s debris removal alternative procedures after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. Rosen’s tips provide advice and… Read more
This document provides a framework for the initial steps of setting up a “whole community” long-term recovery group, in addition to a sample agenda for hosting an orientation meeting to discuss the development of a local long-term disaster recovery plan. It was created by the Iniative Foundation, a nonprofit that works to strengthen the economy… Read more
This article from the Management Disaster & Recovery Journal highlights the importance of partnership-building in long-term recovery planning efforts and the role it plays in achieving economic revitalization and keeping a community safe in a time of disaster. Long-Term Recovery Planning: What You Need to Know
This narrative covers a wide array of best practices and lessons learned by the Wadena-Otter Tail Long Term Recovery Committee after multiple tornadoes devastated Otter Tail and Wadena Counties, Minnesota. The author provides advice for organizing and implementing long-term recovery groups, and best practices for using volunteers. The document also includes samples of forms and… Read more
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