Municipal Disaster Management Resource Manual
This resource manual is designed to help municipal leaders and staff prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and manufactured disasters. Based on best practices and comprehensive disaster management strategies, it outlines key steps and requirements to ensure community readiness, resilience, and effective recovery.
Learn More
Videos
Phase I: Pre-Disaster Planning
This recording is the first of four webinars GMA conducted on disaster preparness. Phase I: Pre-Disaster Planning provides the basics of risk assessment, hazard identification, and emergency management frameworks.
Phase II: The First 72 Hours, Immediate Response Efforts
This recording is the second of four webinars GMA conducted on disaster preparness. Phase II: Immediate Response Efforts focuses on the critical first 72 hours after a crisis begins.
Phase III: Beyond the First 72 Hours, Transition to Recovery Efforts
This recording is the third of four webinars GMA conducted on disaster preparness. Phase III: Transition to Recovery Efforts guides municipal leaders through the transition from response to short- and mid-term recovery planning.
Phase IV: Post Disaster, Long-Term Recovery and Resource Navigation
This recording is the last of four webinars GMA conducted on disaster preparness. Phase IV: Long-Term Recovery and Resource Navigation addresses the ongoing challenges of rebuilding and resilience.
Additional Resources
- Sample Request for Public Assistance (RPA)
- Continuity Plan Template for Local Governments
- Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Template
- FEMA Continuity Planning Templates & Resources
- Emergency Contact Directory Template
- Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Template
- Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development Guide
- Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Template
- Debris Management Guidelines
- FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Policy Summary Sheets
- FEMA Public Assistance Fact Sheet
- FEMA Planning Guides
- FEMA Funding Opportunities Overview
- Kaiser Permanente Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Tool
- FEMA Training Announcements
- GEMA Preparedness Grants and Programs
- GMA Grant and Award Opportunities Resource Page
Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources: A Guide for Rural Communities
This USDA guide provides an overview of programs and services that could be used to support rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by disasters in long-term recovery and planning efforts. Programs are categorized by customer eligibility and assistance type.
Download the USDA Guide