In the past few weeks, communities across the country have taken different approaches, and faced different challenges, in their tireless and heroic response to the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to preserve and expand on the work of these medical practitioners and emergency managers, FEMA has created a Best Practices page that compiles the most up-to-date, vital information in one central location.
FEMA is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human (HHS) to collect and share these best practices and lessons learned. The information can help users learn from one another’s approaches and apply solutions to current response and recovery operations.
These best practices share the learning and experiences of successful interventions, as well as the experiences of communities that have already faced COVID-19 challenges. FEMA will continue to add content and highlight innovative approaches that have produced positive results as communities respond to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Best practices are organized around five themes:
- Helping People, which includes best practices on topics such as crisis counseling resources and anticipating and attending to civil rights;
- Government Operations best practices, such as public information and continuity of operations considerations;
- Private Sector and Infrastructure, which includes best practices for commercial trucking and food stores;
- Recovery Planning and Implementation, to include the newly released FEMA Disaster Financial Management Guide and economic recovery considerations; and
- Medical Supplies and Equipment, including best practices for the preservation of personal protective equipment while ensuring workers are protected.
State, local, tribal and territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses involved in the COVID-19 response can send their best practices or lessons learned to FEMA Continuous Improvement Program. Submissions are reviewed by subject-matter experts at FEMA and HHS before posting.
Visit coronavirus.gov for current health-related guidance and information on COVID-19.