Disaster debris removal in urban environments presents officials, city agencies and debris removal contractors with a mix of advantages and challenges. IBTS spoke with New York City Department of Sanitation Deputy Commissioner (DSNY) Vito Turso about his experience navigating debris removal after Hurricane Sandy. The following tips and best practices provide guidance for large cities… Read more
This guide provides an overview as well as best practices and tips for managing disaster debris recycling. It is intended as an introduction for local government leaders and department staff who are either new to or not fully comfortable with FEMA disaster debris recycling guidelines, however the tips and best practices described can also provide new insight for those who… Read more
FEMA’s online independent study course, “Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning,” covers the methodology for completing after action reports. IS-130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning
The following FEMA courses help highlight the importance of voluntary agencies before, during and after emergencies. They can help strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for and manage the volunteers who are so often critical to recovery. These courses are most useful for emergency managers and related professionals who work with volunteers, members of… Read more
There is no one-sized-fits-all approach for providing temporary housing to displaced residents after a natural disaster, yet FEMA training can provide an understanding of the basic concepts and elements of developing a temporary housing plan. FEMA offers three online independent study courses related to and Emergency Support Function #6, which both include the responsibility for… Read more
These FEMA training courses provide a foundation for building a plan before an event occurs, and specific education on funding options provided under FEMA’s and programs. These courses are geared to state, local, and tribal government personnel responsible for managing grant application processes; personnel conducting Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs); emergency management staff;… Read more
These FEMA online independent study courses are designed to help localities establish a partnership, communication, and resource sharing in vendor contracts and public-private partnerships. They provide education that helps communities have a plan in place before a disaster strikes. These courses are geared toward community planners, emergency management personnel, and anyone else in either the… Read more
Understanding on a large scale how the many agencies that are part of disaster management protocol function is an important part of the staffing evaluation process. The following courses provide a basic overview of coordination systems at local, state and federal levels of government. These courses are suitable for senior officials, emergency managers, first responders… Read more
Coordinating FEMA mapping and geospatial capabilities with other parts of the disaster response and recovery teams are important to a smooth recovery. The following courses provide an overview of these concepts, particularly identifying points of collaboration, technical capabilities, sources of authoritative data, and best practices. They are best suited for emergency managers, incident commanders and… Read more
Although localities typically have sound plans in place to meet immediate post-disaster recovery needs, many overlook long-term recovery needs — how will your community survive and thrive five, ten, twenty years after a disaster? These tips provide insight into what localities should consider while developing a basic long-term recovery plan and strategy. Engage a… Read more