NASCLA Resources Committee

Disaster Response Program Developing a national model for state boards

1

Disaster Facts

In 1981, there were 15 disasters declared In 2011, there have already been 89 –

nearly a 500% increase ◦ TX = 86 CA = 78 OK = 70

Most common disasters include:

2

Current Resources Available FEMA ◦ Preparing for different disasters ◦ Shelter safety ◦ Caring for individuals with special needs ◦ What to do with pets ◦ Insurance Information – Financial planning ◦ Assists state operations during federally declared disasters

State Emergency Management Agencies ◦ Coordinate state/local agencies ◦ Provide resources ◦ Educate the public ◦ Establish Local Assistance Centers ◦ Inform the public of post-disaster actions/details

3

Definitions of Disaster

FEMA (1990) ◦ “An occurrence that has resulted in property damage,

deaths, and/or injuries to a community.”

Stafford Act ◦ “Major Disaster: Any natural catastrophe. . . or, regardless

of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which, in the determination of the President, causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance. . . to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.”

4

Definitions of Disaster

Modified Definition (Cannon, 1994) ◦ “A disaster is. . . an event

associated with the impact of a natural hazard, which leads to increased mortality, illness and/or injury, and destroys or disrupts livelihoods, affecting the people or an area such that they and/or outsiders) perceive it as being exceptional and requiring external assistance for recovery.”

5

Problems Faced by Contractors Boards

Unlicensed contractors & travelers Minimal research / license verification Non-involvement in organized response

efforts Lack of information and/or community

notification Lack of internal organization to address

community needs Not understanding the Board’s role or role

of external partners

6

Contractor Board Opportunities

Consumer education & protection Post-disaster signage and literature Media outreach Assisting with license verifications Working with local/state emergency

response teams Proactive investigators ◦ Sweep/sting operations ◦ Making contact with victims & workers

7

Potential Partners Federal ◦ FEMA ◦ U.S. Small Business Administration

State ◦ Emergency management agency ◦ Veteran Affairs ◦ Department of Health Care Services ◦ Department of Insurance ◦ Department of Motor Vehicles ◦ Department of Public Health ◦ Department of Social Services ◦ Department of Industrial Relations ◦ Employment Development Department ◦ Consumer Affairs and/or Attorney General ◦ Tax Boards/Commissions

8

Potential Partners County ◦ Assessor’s Office ◦ Consumer Affairs ◦ Department of Community & Senior

Services ◦ Department of Health Services ◦ Department of Mental Health ◦ Department of Public Social Services ◦ Department of Public Works/Building

Safety ◦ Environmental Health

Other Organizations ◦ American Red Cross ◦ Salvation Army ◦ Senior Groups ◦ Contractor Associations

9

Why a Model Program?

Define role of a Contractor Board Understand laws and regulations Create a clearinghouse of tools and

materials for outreach & education Identify guidelines for Board engagement

in disaster response Establishing best practices for

enforcement activities and response

10

Program Components

Preparing for a disaster ◦ Defining Board’s role ◦ Anticipating specific disasters

and issues that may arise ◦ Investigator/staff training

Education / Information ◦ Pre- and post- disaster

messaging ◦ Timeline for messaging ◦ Tools and tactics

11

Program Components Legal Framework ◦ Chain of command ◦ Executive Orders ◦ Applicable laws, policies, regulations

Enforcement ◦ First response efforts ◦ Conducting sweeps/stings ◦ Penalties / punishments

Partnering ◦ Role of each partner ◦ Opening lines of communication ◦ Education of Board’s role/importance

12

Next Steps

Identify program components

Brainstorm best practices

Select the items necessary or available to place in the toolbox

Discuss next steps to move closer to finalizing the model program.

13