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
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
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
Conducted by FEMA, Kickoff Meetings are designed to provide an in-depth review of the Public Assistance program and address specific applicant needs. The meeting typically occurs 5-10 days after a natural disaster, but it can be delayed for up to five or six weeks. Use these tips to prepare for your Kickoff Meeting — who… Read more
This special populations assessment tool was designed to help identify those groups of individuals who require differing messages from the general public information message or who cannot be reached through mass communication channels. In conducting the assessment, consulting individuals within a population, or representative organizations, may be helpful in understanding how the population may receive… Read more
This guide is intended to help close many of the gaps in emergency planning and preparedness for vulnerable older adults. In particular, it aims to give public health officials, the Aging Services Network, emergency management personnel and partners at all jurisdictional levels (state, regional, and community) the critical information, strategies and resources that they need… Read more
This evidence-based guide, developed by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), shares stories, tools and projects issued by state and local agencies and organizations to determine the extent of preparing and planning for at-risk populations, as well as assisting these communities in emergencies. As part of this project, ASTHO performed an extensive… Read more
During and after a natural disaster, local governments and utilities must work together to ensure the safety of citizens and navigate the restoration of infrastructure. Accordingly, it is critical they share an understanding about roles, responsibilities and processes during a disaster. Even when local governments and utilities have a productive, well-established relationship with each… Read more
The Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) provides formulas and useful tips for how to best allocate space in different types of temporary medical facility sites, such as a gymnasium, stadium or aircraft hangar. Layout charts and photographs for facilities are also included. Alternative Care Site Planning: Site Layout
Localities must pre-identify temporary medical facility to use during natural disasters in the scenario that local medical facilities become damaged or overwhelmed. The Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) offers several easy-to-use tools to help localities create a plan for temporary medical facilities. On this page, find links to a “site selection tool” that can… Read more
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