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EMD Documentation & Planning Resources

The following documents should be part of every Emergency Management Director/Coordinator "toolbox"

  • FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Resources
    • ​The FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program provides federal disaster assistance to state and local government organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the permanent restoration or replacement of public facilities that are owned and operated by an eligible Applicant. This web page includes applicant guides, checklists, form templates, and other useful information to help applicants navigate the PA process.
  • Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) Templates, Forms, & Examples
    • The Local Emergency Management Plan allows individual communities to coordinate disaster response.  Towns now have the option of submitting any format plan so long as the plan has all required elements and a completed adoption form. Templates are also available in both "long" and "short" format. LEMPs must be submitted to Regional Planning Commissions annually after town meeting day, but before May 1st.  
  • FEMA Emergency Operations Center How-To Quick Reference Guide 
    • This all-hazards guide can provide state, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions with information and guidance related to emergency operations center (EOC) set up, operation, maintenance and deactivation. While all jurisdictions have their own unique set of hazards, vulnerabilities, capabilities and requirements for an EOC, this how-to guide can help a jurisdiction meet its needs in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework and principles.
  • FEMA Mobile App
    • The FEMA App allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, send notifications to loved ones, locate emergency shelters in your area, and more. PLAN: Learn how to prepare for common hazards quickly and easily. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, the FEMA App can help you learn basic preparedness strategies like how to create a family emergency communication plan, what to pack in your emergency kit, and what to do immediately after a disaster. PROTECT: Knowing when and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during a disaster can make all the difference. With the FEMA App, you can receive real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.  It can also help you find a nearby shelter if you need to evacuate to a safe space. RECOVER: The FEMA App gives you the tools you need to recover after a disaster. Find out if your location is eligible for FEMA assistance, find Disaster Recovery Center locations, and get answers to your most pressing questions.  Instantly connect with FEMA’s disaster resources so you find the help that you need when you need it most. 
  • FEMA has released Climate Essentials for Emergency Managers which shares communication techniques, climate information, data resources, and guidance for connecting with experts.
  • The Statewide Highway Flood Vulnerability and Risk Map is completed for the entire state and ready to be used for hazard mitigation planning..
  • CARE (Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies)
    • Those who need special assistance during a disaster or evacuation can alert local responders of that need before emergencies. The CARE (Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies) program allows the elderly, people with limited mobility, or those who require specialized medical equipment to get extra help during a disaster.

      Local officials can provide special assistance to those who face unique challenges during evacuations, power outages, or extended periods of isolation. For those who have registered, CARE allows local emergency responders access to their information so they can better help these individuals during an evacuation, power outage or similar event. Click here information on how EMDs and local first responders can access the CARE information within their community.

  • Vermont Statutes, Title 20: Internal Security and Public Safety, Chapter 001: Emergency Management (20 V.S.A. § 6)
     
    • 20 V.S.A. § 6 outlines the EMD requirement for all Vermont towns. 
       
  • Emergency Preparedness Workbook
     
    • The Emergency Preparedness Workbook contains information on how to prepare for disasters and how individuals and their families can stay safe during an emergency event, or weather emergency.  Email us for a hard copy for yourself, or order multiple copies for local distribution.
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) Resource Typing Library Tool
     
    • The Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT) is an online catalog of all NIMS resource typing definitions and job titles/position qualifications that have been released by FEMA. NIMS resource types provide the common language for the mobilization of resources (equipment, teams, units, and personnel) prior to, during, and after major incidents. NIMS resource types are viewable online, downloadable in PDF format.
       
  • ​Vermont Business Preparedness Workbook 
     
    • The Vermont Business Preparedness Workbook contains information to assist businesses in emergency preparation.  Email us for a hard copy to share with local businesses within your community. 
       
  • Top 12 Things a New EMD or EMC Should Do
     
    • Tips and suggestions for new EMDs for strengthening your emergency management program. 
       
  • Mass Care
    • Shelter Fundamentals is available online through the American Red Cross EDGE system.  Register for an account by visiting http://bit.ly/ext_register.  If you are not affiliated with Disaster Cycle Services or Service to the Armed Forces, select N/A for Region. After registration, you can access EDGE by visiting https://arc.csod.com
    • What Makes a Good Shelter?
       
    • Shelter Staffing Tool: ​Useful information for planning shelters within your community and determining the staffing needs to run a shelter.
    • FEMA's How To Develop Agreements for Mass Care Services Guidance for locals to better understand why formal agreements (i.e., Memorandums of Agreement [MOA] and Memorandums of Understanding [MOU]) are important tools for improving the delivery of mass care services and emergency assistance. Additionally, this document Overview of MOAs and MOUs MOAs/MOUs document and identify areas of potential collaboration between organizations and outline a strategy to do so. This document addresses the development of MOAs/MOUs that facilitate the effective delivery of mass care services and emergency assistance.  provides guidance to locals developing effective agreements and actionable prior to an incident.
  • Cybersecurity
    • The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency's Cyber Essentials is a guide for leaders of small businesses and local government agencies to develop an actionable understand of where to start implementing organizational cybersecurity practices.
    • FEMA's Planning Considerations for Cyber Incidents assists local emergency management personnel with preparing for cyber incident and supporting the development of a cyber incident response plan.