Communication and coordination among and between local and state agencies before, during and after a natural disaster is critical, yet local agencies often find themselves lacking sufficient communications plans and struggling to communicate efficiently with other local agencies and state representatives during an incident. Use these tips to identify common areas of disconnect and… Read more
This manual is intended to serve as a quick trainer and reference for amateurs deployed in the field for emergency services work, primarily through the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). It provides basic program information, forms and operating aids. A number of templates can be customized for the local area… Read more
This guide provides a step by step summary of the components of the system, its primary data requirements, primary recommendations and key decision points. It also outlines the type of health and safety reports that the ERHMS system can provide to decision makers. Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS): A Guide for Key… Read more
Download this fillable Activity Log (ICS 214) from the to record details of notable activities at any ICS level, including single resources, equipment, task forces and more. The logs provide basic incident activity documentation and a reference for any . Completed logs are submitted to supervisors, who forward them to the documentation unit. FEMA… Read more
This Issue Brief presents background on communications within the and its Incident Command System (ICS). It examines the role of communications within these constructs, as well as in the context of multiagency response to disasters and emergencies. It concludes with operational best practices for effective use of incident communications units. Communications in the Incident… Read more
At the conclusion of an event, there is a need to assess how the emergency response has been conducted through the pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment phases and to identify ways to improve during each of these periods. Follow this guide from the program to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in emergency response to… Read more
Well-conceived and effectively delivered emergency messages can help ensure public safety, protect property, facilitate response efforts, elicit cooperation, instill public confidence, and help families reunite. This lesson presents information about three aspects of communicating in an emergency, including: emergency communication challenges, emergency communication tools and creating effective emergency communication. FEMA Lesson Guide: Communicating in an Emergency
Be Prepared to Bring in Staff from Surrounding Jurisdictions Have an assist plan or mutual aid agreement in place with neighboring jurisdictions. Snowplows from neighboring localities can simply extend their plow routes into other communities when needed. When short-staffed, bring in non-operations staff, such as design or construction staff, to assist with the Incident… Read more
The following summarizes the history of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The early post-Great Depression legislative measures from 1932 – 1938 stimulated housing construction in the U.S. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Act of 1932 P.L. 75 – 432 First major U.S. relief legislation. Passed by Congress… Read more
Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) are the most widely used method for coordinating and managing untrained, spontaneous volunteers who arrive in the aftermath of disaster. A VRC can prevent spontaneous volunteers from overwhelming emergency management and slowing relief efforts. This presentation by the Bedford (VA) Community Health Foundation (BCHF) can be used as a tool to… Read more
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