The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released for national engagement three documents designed to provide guidance to state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions in preparedness as well as response and recovery activities. The documents are National Incident Management System Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers, Disaster Financial Management Guide, and Planning Considerations: Disaster Housing.

FEMA last revised the NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers in 2007 and is now updating the document to make it a more clear and useful tool for public information officers (PIOs) when they are involved in emergency management activities. The updated document has a broader scope and includes digital engagement and social media protocols as well as provides operational practices to help PIOs perform their duties within the NIMS Command and Coordination structures. Access the draft document at FEMA.

The Disaster Financial Management Guide is intended to support jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices. The document also presents an overview of common disaster recovery funding programs and resources that may be beneficial to jurisdictions’ recovery efforts. The Planning Considerations: Disaster Housing document supplements Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans. This planning document is a tool for use in conjunction with the Six-Step Planning Process described in CPG 101. Access the draft documents at FEMA.