Resources for Communities Responding to Disasters

Resources for Communities Responding to Disasters

As Hurricane Ida expands its impacted areas up and down the east coast, IEDC reiterates its support for all affected communities and hopes for a safe recovery. In addition to Hurricane Ida, communities out west are dealing with wildfires and IEDC’s board and staff send its sympathies to all of those impacted. Unfortunately, the prevalence of severe natural disasters is increasing, highlighting the vulnerabilities of our cities and the importance of disaster resilience in economic development. 

IEDC is committed to sharing resources that help communities build back stronger and more resilient after a major catastrophe. Below are a number of resources that may be of use for your community: 

• Practical Advice for Transitioning to Recovery Briefing Paper - A brief with advice on how to assist your community in transitioning from response to short-term recovery. 
• Six Priorities for Short Term Economic Recovery after Disaster - An extensive document providing information on short-term recovery priorities based on IEDC’s experience in disaster recovery. 
• Starting a Business Recovery Center

1. Business Recovery Center Model - Provides an example of how to set up a business recovery center from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. 
2. From the Toolkit: Establishing a Business Recovery Center - Presents step-by-step instructions for creating a business recovery center post-disaster.

• Surveying Businesses

1. Download this survey example to begin assessing the state of businesses in your community

• Business Re-Entry Program

1. Establishing a Tiered System of Business Re-Entry - After a disaster, a community may be forced to shut down impacted areas; this resource explains how to prioritize businesses opening back up.

• Starting an Open for Business Campaign

1. Promotional Efforts to Support Sandy-Impacted Businesses in NYC - This case study supplies an example of how EDOs can support businesses post-disaster.

• Small Business Emergency Loan Fund Program
• Establishing a Small Business Emergency Loan Fund Program after a Disaster Webinar - This webinar provides viewers with a better understanding of the steps they need to take when establishing emergency loan funds.  

Navigating the Federal System

1. How to Navigate the Federal System  - This webpage includes detailed information on how to access federal dollars post-disaster.
2. Applying for an EDA Grant: A How-To Guide -This guide provides advice on how to apply for an EDA Grant. 
3. Webinar: How to Successfully Collaborate with Federal Partners in Disaster Recovery - This webinar discusses how local and state officials can effectively collaborate with federal agencies on economic and business recovery efforts following a major disaster.
4. FEMA Top 10 Procurement Under Grant Mistakes - This resource highlights the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for FEMA grants.