In this report, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) outlines strategic planning tools that communities and governments at the local, state and federal level can implement before a natural disaster to prepare for rapid reconstruction during the recovery phase. The report walks communities through the development of a recovery plan and serves… Read more
The state of Texas recently developed a rapid re-housing model, called RAPIDO, to help low income families recover from disasters more quickly. This report outlines the model’s key innovations, incorporation of fair housing to improve outcomes, and recommendations for next steps. Localities in any state can use this a guide for improving disaster recovery housing… Read more
IBTS spoke with Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, Emergency Management Public Information Officer (PIO) John Bobel about his plans for communicating during natural disasters at the local level. Below, Bobel offers advice to other localities on how disaster communications planning can increase effectiveness of public communication and outreach during and after an incident. Practice, practice, practice. Make sure… Read more
Every municipal department head, in addition to lead staff, should take at minimum basic FEMA and NIMS disaster training courses. “Make it a priority, because if local agencies don’t invest in it now they’re going to pay for it on game day,” says Roger Jolliff,emergency manager for the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Area Emergency Management Agency. Below… Read more
In many localities, disaster planning is confined to emergency management. To improve the effectiveness of disaster planning, it’s important that all municipal departments engage in disaster plans with emergency management and develop a department specific . IBTS spoke with Roger Jolliff, director of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Emergency Management Agency, about best practices he’s developed… Read more
This document provides a brief explanation of the FEMA disaster declaration process, including an outline of the steps a governor must take to request a declaration, types of disaster declarations and the assistance programs that can be activated once a declaration has been made by the president. FEMA Fact Sheet: Disaster Declaration Process
During a weather-induced long-term power outage, communications with utility companies often present one of the biggest challenges for local leaders, emergency management and other municipal agencies involved in disaster response and recovery. Use these tips to build and maintain a relationship with your local utility that allows for an open flow of information at all… Read more
Wildfires are long, drawn-out events that often require localities to ask for state assistance to get key messages out to the public, manage and monitor social media and keep up with the demands of local media. Use these tips from subject matter experts in Washington and California, who frequently deal with wildfires, to think through frequently… Read more
During severe winter weather events, the public has an undying need for information — when will their roads be plowed, will schools shut down, is more snow expected? Providing them with constant updates is essential to set clear expectations about your municipal snow removal agency’s capabilities during a given storm. Use these tips to… Read more
After “Snowzilla” dumped more than 26 inches of snow on Arlington County, Virginia in January 2016, the county had to supplement their 40-pieces of snow removal equipment with 200 pieces of contracted equipment to keep up with storm. Mike Moon, deputy director of operations for Arlington County, Virginia, Environmental Services, was tasked with coordinating… Read more
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