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HANDBOOK FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
I. INTRODUCTION
In the event of a major disaster or emergency, Florida's sixty-seven county governments must provide the initial response and assistance. There are instances, however, when an emergency or disaster situation exceeds the response capabilities of local governments. In such an event, local governments can contact the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management (DEM) in order to begin the process. This process includes securing supplemental state and federal disaster assistance, provided either directly or by initiating the appropriate mutual aid agreements.
This publication has been prepared by the Florida Department of Community Affairs, DEM to familiarize local officials with the sequence of events necessary to secure federal assistance in the aftermath of a disaster. This handbook provides basic information and instructions. For more detailed information, the following documents are available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), DEM or the local emergency management agency.
- County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Standard Operating Procedures (Agency)
- County Mitigation Strategy
State
- State of Florida Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan(Adobe Acrobat)
- State of Florida Hurricane Coordinating Procedures(WordPerfect)
- State Administrative Plan for Public Assistance
- State Administrative Plan for the Individual and Family Grant Program
- Breaking the Cycle: Strengthening Florida Before Disaster Strikes
- State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
- Florida Hazard Mitigation Strategy(WordPerfect)
Federal
- DAP-4
Fire Suppression Assistance Handbook
- DAP-5
Community Disaster Loan Handbook
- DAP-9
Crisis Counseling Program
- DAP-12
Making Mitigation Work, A Handbook for State Officers
- DAP-16
When You Return to a Storm Damaged Home
- DAP-20
Mobile Home Sales
- DR & R-6
Environmental Review Handbook
- DR & R-11
Floodplain Management Handbook
- DR & R-15
Debris Removal Guidelines for State and Local Officials
- FEMA-207
Individual and Family Grant Program
- FEMA-229(4)
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs
- FEMA-262
A Guide to Federal Aid in Disaster
- FEMA-286
Public Assistance Guide
- FEMA 317
Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities
- FEMA 321
Public Assistance Policy Digest
Public Law 100-707, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (Public Law 93-288, the Disaster Relief Act of 1974), authorizes federal assistance to local and state governments through a Presidential Disaster Declaration.