Recovery Planning
Building back stronger after disasters
The Recovery Phase
Recovery is the fourth phase of emergency management, focusing on restoring the community to normal or improved functioning after a disaster. Effective recovery planning begins before disasters strike and continues long after the immediate emergency has passed.
Short-Term Recovery
Immediate actions to restore vital services and provide temporary housing, debris removal, and basic infrastructure restoration.
- Emergency sheltering and housing
- Utility restoration
- Debris removal operations
- Emergency repairs
Long-Term Recovery
Sustained efforts to restore quality of life, rebuild infrastructure, and implement mitigation measures.
- Permanent housing solutions
- Economic recovery programs
- Infrastructure rebuilding
- Community planning
Financial Recovery
Assistance programs and resources to help individuals and businesses recover financially.
- FEMA assistance programs
- SBA disaster loans
- Insurance claims process
- Community grants
Emotional Recovery
Mental health support and community healing after traumatic events.
- Crisis counseling
- Support groups
- Community healing events
- Long-term mental health resources
Recovery Planning Best Practices
- Document everything with photos and written records before cleanup
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- Apply for disaster assistance through FEMA
- Be cautious of contractor fraud after disasters
- Consider mitigation measures when rebuilding