Experiences from Past Disasters Offer Insights for Effective Collaboration after Catastrophic Events

The GAO recommended in a new report that the Secretary of Homeland Security direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a mechanism that’s focused on sharing information and lessons learned regarding disaster recovery, including good collaborative practices. The Department of Homeland Security concurred with GAO’s recommendation. READ MORE

GAO Report
_

Stafford Act deserves a fresh look

An opinion piece in the New Orleans Times-Picayune concludes it is time to take a re-look at the Stafford Act, the legislation which governs DHS/FEMA actions following a major disaster.
READ MORE

Report says FEMA isn't prepared to handle another large-scale disaster

After spending six months looking at FEMA's natural disaster housing policies, the Senate Natural Disaster Recovery subcommittee says FEMA is still not prepared to handle the housing needs of millions if another disaster like Hurricane Katrina hits the United States. READ MORE

Download Senate Report

Videogame Technology Helps With Disaster Planning

There are several web based systems being developed to support the disaster management community. READ MORE

Back on Dec 17th HAZUS.org reported on the release of DEPICTION, an affordable new "what-if" mapping software package for emergency managers.

Nearly Half of U.S. States Fail on Emergency Plan Communication

A new study by George Mason University communication professor Carl Botan concludes nearly half of U.S. states either have no state-level emergency plan or do not provide it readily to the public. READ MORE