Resources

Information and Tools for Homeless Service Providers and Disaster Professionals

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

Prepare Your Organization for a Hurricane: Playbook

This playbook provides community leaders and employers with tools and resources to support preparedness efforts and take part in the America’s PrepareAthon! campaign to increase community awareness and action around disaster preparation and resilience planning. The guide provides step-by-step instructions to help local leaders and organizations plan a community discussion or a tabletop exercise to… Read more

The Effects of Hurricane Sandy on the Homeless in New Jersey

The impacts of natural disasters on homeless populations has largely been unexplored, leaving a knowledge gap in current disaster research. This study provides new insight into the topic, focusing specifically on how the homeless in Hoboken and Atlantic City, New Jersey learned about Hurricane sandy, how the disaster impacted the daily lives of the homeless,… Read more

Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments

This FEMA guide outlines six planning steps and associated key activities to assist local governments in developing a comprehensive disaster response and recovery plan. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities and building relationships across community and regional leaders, organizations and individuals before a disaster can help your community become more resilient and recover faster from disasters.… Read more

Building Code Revision Tips for Earthquake Resilience

Building Codes are sets of regulations governing the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of structures that specify the minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. According to FEMA, seismic provisions to codes are inconsistent — even in states more susceptible to earthquake activity. “A properly functioning building department will ensure… Read more

Disaster Planning for People Experiencing Homelessness

This publication provides practical guidance for local officials, emergency planners, homeless service providers and others involved with their community’s disaster planning process to better meet the needs of homeless populations after a natural disaster. The publication covers a range of topics, including: defining special needs populations, personal preparedness, communication, transportation and evacuation, sheltering, health status… Read more

Tools and Resources for Community-Based and Faith-Based Organizations

King County, Washington, developed a suite of tools and resources to assist community agencies that deal with vulnerable populations in becoming more prepared and resilient in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. The tool outlines 13 standards that a community agency should work towards, ranging from communications tools to emergency payment procedures and… Read more

Tips: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide guidance to ensure localities take full advantage of regional training opportunities. Find out if your state… Read more

Tips for Local Leaders: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide guidance for local leaders help their locality take full advantage of regional training opportunities. Find out… Read more

Tips for Emergency Managers: Take Advantage of Regional Disaster Training Assistance

  State emergency management agencies (EMAs), regional FEMA offices and surrounding jurisdictions can serve as useful resources to supplement your locality’s disaster training needs before a disaster, and immediately after a disaster strikes if need be. These tips provide information to emergency managers take full advantage of regional training opportunities and ensure their staff stay… Read more