Resources

Tips for Public Information Officers: Have a Plan for Public Communications on Debris Removal

Public information officers will typically lead communication efforts to provide the public with instructions for residential debris removal after a disaster. Use these tips to work with your local emergency manager, local elected and appointed leaders, department of environmental services and local solid waste removal services or debris removal contractors to develop pre-scripted messages and… Read more

Setting up a Whole Community Long-Term Disaster Recovery Team before a Disaster

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

Disaster Debris Removal Recovery Database

View the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) resources to assist localities in and around EPA Region 5 with developing a disaster recovery debris removal plan. In addition to sample plans and links to useful resources, the EPA also created an interactive map that provides information and locations of over 6,000 facilities throughout Region 5 and… Read more

Infographic Example: Boulder, Colorado, Flood Infographic

Infographics can be a useful way to communicate a lot of information to the public in an easy-to-read and engaging format. The City of Boulder, Colorado, developed this infographic after destructive flash flooding inundated the city 2013 to keep the public informed about its efforts to prepare for future floods.   Boulder, Colorado, Flood Infographic

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Toolkit

Compiled by the American Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive’s (ACCE’s) Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Task Force, this toolkit is intended to familiarize chambers of commerce across the country with the various components of disaster preparedness, and to connect them with helpful resources and tools for recovery. Given the unique nature of each disaster and… Read more

Overview: Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

This chapter provides a general overview of the program, including a brief synopsis of the program’s history, objectives, rules and requirements, and the process for implementing disaster recovery activities.   Overview: Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

Guide for Review of Financial Management for CDBG-DR Grantees

This guide outlines the financial management requirements for CDBG-DR grantees. It includes instructions and checklists for completing each step of the grant allocation process to ensure grantees meet all compliance requirements.   Guide for Review of Financial Management for CDBG-DR Grantees

Integrated Public Alert & Warning System

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

The Response to the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, Tornado: Lessons Learned Study

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

Seasonal Disaster Planning Tips for Severe Winter Weather

  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