The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene is a stark reminder of the importance of leadership during times of crisis. As city and county managers navigate the complex task of rebuilding their communities, several key considerations should guide their recovery efforts.

Document Everything 

Documentation is a critical component of FEMA reimbursement following a disaster. Detailed records serve as evidence of losses and expenses incurred, allowing for accurate claims and timely reimbursement. This documentation can include photographs and/or videos of damaged property, receipts for repairs and replacements, invoices for debris removal, and documentation of staff costs and the purpose of staff time. By maintaining meticulous records, communities can strengthen their case for FEMA assistance and maximize the resources available to support recovery efforts.

Assign a staff member and/or team to be in charge of documentation. Make this a directive early on to the entire organization and emphasize how critical this is (you do not want to be told years later that funds have been de-obligated during an audit due to lack of documentation). It is less overwhelming if everyone involved know the importance of this task.
 

Communication is Key

Provide regular updates early on - these become the script for your elected officials and team members to work from. Misinformation can spread quickly during crises, leading to panic, confusion, and even harm. Establish the local government as the trusted source of information for the community.
 

Don't Go It Alone

Connecting with other local governments or consultants who have experience with FEMA reimbursement can be invaluable for navigating the complexities of the process. These individuals can provide insights into best practices, share lessons learned from past experiences, and offer guidance on documentation requirements, deadlines, and potential challenges. By leveraging their expertise, local governments can increase their chances of a successful reimbursement application and ensure that their communities receive the necessary funding to recover from a disaster.
 

Immediately Begin Thinking About Recovery

Begin developing a comprehensive recovery plan that outlines the steps needed to rebuild the community. This plan should address infrastructure repair, economic recovery, community resilience, and long-term planning. Involve residents, businesses, and community organizations in the recovery process. Seek their input and feedback on priorities and needs.
 

View Recovery as an Opportunity 

While disasters can be devastating, they also present opportunities for local government managers to implement positive change and improve their communities. By approaching disaster recovery as an opportunity for growth and improvement, local government managers can help their communities build back stronger and more resilient than before. Here are some ways to approach disaster recovery as an opportunity:
 

1. Resilience Building: Use the recovery process to strengthen the community's resilience to future disasters. This may involve upgrading infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, or promoting disaster preparedness education.
    
2. Sustainable Development: Incorporate sustainable practices into the rebuilding process to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient community. This could include using green building materials, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation.
    
3. Economic Revitalization: Leverage disaster recovery funds to stimulate economic growth and job creation. This may involve supporting small businesses, investing in infrastructure projects, or attracting new industries to the area.
    
4. Community Engagement: Use the disaster recovery process to foster stronger community engagement and collaboration. This can involve involving residents in decision-making, creating opportunities for volunteerism, and promoting social cohesion.
    
5. Innovation and Adaptation: Embrace innovative approaches to disaster recovery and adaptation. This may involve exploring new technologies, experimenting with different strategies, and learning from best practices in other communities.

Here are organizations accepting donations to support recovery efforts in affected communities:

• East Tennessee “Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund” – this fund is exclusively being used in East Tennessee to empower local nonprofits and agencies to rescue and recover communities facing devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene.
   
• The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund has been set up by the State of North Carolina, with United Way of NC acting as the fiscal agent for the fund. Funds will be used to help provide for immediate unmet needs through reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors.
   
• The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. 
   
• The Red Cross is accepting donations that allow it to offer food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to victims of the crisis. 
   
• Donations to the Salvation Army will be used for the distribution of emergency aid, food, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers in impacted states.
   
• Feeding America is collecting funds to provide meals and supplies to impacted areas.