Emergency Management, Long-Term Recovery Organizations, YLD Hotline,

and other resources

Leslie N. PowellJune 2009

National ResourcesABA/LSC/NLADA/probono.net co-sponsored

disaster website:www.disasterlegalaid.org

National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters:www.nvoad.org

Federal Emergency Management Agencywww.fema.gov

State ResourcesFlorida Emergency Management

www.floridadisaster.org

Florida Legal Services Disaster Grouphttp://www.fladvocate.org/disaster/

Florida Legal Services Disaster Manualhttp://www.flabarfndn.org/resources/disaster-manual/

Local ResourcesCounty/Regional Emergency Managementhttp://www.floridadisaster.org/County_EM/ASP/county.aspAmerican Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.aspLong Term Recovery Organization

http://www.findflorida.org/files/LTRODirectory0408.pdf

Local Bar Association

Defining a disaster1) Governor declares disaster – defines areas

and needs. Advises FEMA/President of need for federal assistance.

2) President determines whether federal assistance will be granted and what kind.

3) Disaster Recovery Centers are activated (DRCs).

Why is this important?

Shelters open firstDRCs may not happen until a week or more

after the actual disaster. Shelters tend to be harder to access for confidentiality/privacy reasons.

Most LTROs and/or ARC chapters provide volunteer training and drills. Participate in these opportunities to improve access to these entry points to inform the community of their legal rights.

Legal Problems don’t come firstResponse – Recovery – Mitigation

Remind the community, including long-time community partners and media, that legal services will be available when it is needed.- Brochures- Community Education- Readying staff for intake

Disaster Readiness as a Year-Round Part of Your Community OutreachWho has mitigation funds in your area?

Contractor education opportunities

Who provides assistance to persons with disabilities? Special Needs Registration

Legal Preparedness as part of financial stability

Insurance education – forced-place insurance

Title problems

Education – McKinney-Vento protections if a child becomes “homeless”

Special Needs RegistrationThe Special Needs Registry: Individuals who may need

assistance during a disaster because of physical, mental, or cognitive impairments; or because of sensory disabilities.

- Pre-qualifies the individual for Special Needs shelters

- Allows the individual to pre-authorize emergency responders to enter their homes during search and rescue operations.

Register through various community-based providers or the emergency management office.

www.floridadisaster.org/disability

LTROs – What do they do?http://www.findflorida.org/files/ltro.pdf

Create leadership and organization around recovery efforts

Allow for receipt of various pots of mitigation and rebuilding funds, and sometimes even for supportive services

May allow for transition of temporary housing

Create combined effort for not just recovery, but preparedness resources as well

LTRO Role in Affordable HousingPre-disaster: Can assist in identifying the

stock of affordable, low-income housing

Post-disaster: Can assist in determining what is left and defining what is needed to restore affordable housing to pre-disaster levels or better.

CDBG funds – can help ensure these are used to restore affordable housing

Pro Bono InitiativesYLD Hotline: Referrals will likely be made from

these volunteers to legal services programs.

Local YLD: Opportunities to provide education to local attorneys who will likely take referrals from the hotline

Who else? Identify other attorneys who specialize in areas needed after a disaster (construction, insurance, etc.)

Conclusion

Your disaster plan will run more smoothly if making these contacts and engaging with

these agencies is a part of it.