Disaster Response
The Value of Preparedness
Unexpected natural and man-made disasters can be crippling to communities. In the face of a destructive fire or raging tornado, communities that posess an updated disaster response plan fare better than their counterparts who lack a plan. Although it is impossible to prevent severe weather or hold back an impending flood, communities can actively take steps to ensure that their response is timely, strategic and prevents the situation from spiraling out of control. Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Community Preparedness Toolkit for more information.
Disaster Recovery: Initial Steps
When disaster strikes, communities must respond swiftly and decisively. Beyond public safety concerns, here is a Top 10 post-disaster list that communities should consider: 10 Things for Disaster Recovery.
Disaster Recovery: Long-Term
Once the initial "lights and sirens" phase of a disaster passes, communities need to move into the long-term recovery phase. This is a longer process that may take several years to complete. The goal of long-term recovery is to get your community back to a new sense of normal. Here are a few things to consider as you start down the long-term recovery road: Basic Steps for Long-term Recovery.
Key Organizations:
Homeland Security Emergency and Management (MN)
Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (MNVOAD)
Business Resources
Disaster Planning
Prepare my Business
Plan to Remain in Business
American Red Cross Preparedness Rating Program
The Institute for Business & Home Saftety: Open for Business
OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures
FEMA: How to Protect your Business
Business Interruption Insurance
Disaster Recovery
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Disaster Help Desk
FEMA: Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry
Recovering from Disasters: Employee Pay
Disaster Scams
IRS Disaster Videos
SBA Disaster Loans
OSHA Disasters & Worker Safety
After the Flood: Safety Tips for Business Owners
Tips for Supervisors of Disaster Responders
IRS Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Community Resources
Disaster Planning
Health Impacts Planning Guide
Local Goverment Role FEMA Manual
Local Government Role in Disaster Recovery
Organizing a Recovery Team Before a Disaster
Preparedness Resources for House of Worship
Vulnerable Pop Emotional Health Overview
Vulneralbe Pop Emotional Health PowerPoint
Disaster Recovery
2014 MNVOAD Manual
Chambers, Texas Long-Term Recovery Plan
Class Sample Plan
Consumers Guide to Hiring Residential Contractors
Debris Management Plan Guidebook
Donations and Volunteer Management Guidebook 2015
Farm Service Agency 2015 Disaster Assistance Program
Federal and State Disaster Assistance Programs
Greensburg, Kansas Long-Term Community Recovery Plan
Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
Long-Term Community Recovery Self-Help Guide
Long-Term Disaster Recovery Best Practices
Minnesota Housing Quick Start Disaster Loan
Minnesota Public Health Teams and Regions
National VOAD Disaster Spiritual Care Guidelines
Quick Overview of Assistance
Vulnerable Populations