Statewide disaster recovery manual available online

Several Association staff members helped develop the “North Carolina Disaster Recovery Guide,” a detailed and critical resource for state and local leaders who manage, organize and oversee disaster recovery efforts. The guide was produced by the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) and is designed to help official and community-based agencies work effectively together to rebuild from any future disasters.

“This will be a critical resource for state and local leaders,” said OSBM Director David McCoy during the final meeting of the Statewide Disaster Recovery Planning Team on June 13. “On behalf of Gov. Mike Easley and the citizens of North Carolina, I thank you for all the effort you put into this book. I do believe this will be a model for other states to follow. When we were researching this book, we didn’t see anything else like this anywhere.”

The Statewide Disaster Recovery Planning Team was a coalition of state and local officials who aided in identifying and compiling the resources. McCoy pointed out that many counties and states are well-versed in disaster preparedness, but this guide focused on what to do after a disaster strikes.

“Over the years North Carolina has learned many valuable lessons about disaster recovery,” Easley said. “This guide, which will be continually updated, will help make sure that, if a disaster strikes, communities have the most up-to-date information on where to turn for assistance.”

NCACC Director of Research and Public Information Rebecca Troutman, Director of Communications Todd McGee, and former Policy Analyst James Bennett served on the Statewide Disaster Recovery Planning Team. Troutman served on the Intergovernmental Relations team, McGee was part of the Communications and Outreach team, and Bennett served on the Environment team.

The 135-page guide will help government and community leaders, and identify the people, agencies and resources to manage and lead recovery efforts. It provides a comprehensive overview of the roles, responsibilities and assistance programs that have been available in the past, from agriculture to volunteers. It covers dozens of federal, regional and state agencies and scores of national, state and local programs with the contact information to help identify and tap appropriate resources.

“Few of us specialize in disaster recovery,” Easley said. “But when disaster strikes, we all must have the tools we need to work together for the public good. This guide will help state and local leaders move quickly to help their communities.”

About 500 copies of the report will be distributed to state, county and municipal officials around North Carolina along with organizations likely to be involved with community assistance and rebuilding efforts. Copies are also available online to download at www.osbm.state.nc.us/disaster.