2016 Louisiana Flood Case Study Shares Insight for Hurricane Harvey Recovery

Ashburn, VA (PRWEB) September 12, 2017

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, recently developed a case study that highlights the steps taken by officials from the City of Central, Louisiana, as well as the IBTS staff who were onsite during the August 2016 flood. The case study walks the reader through events that occurred before, during, and after the disaster as well as tips and lessons learned throughout each stage. The disaster recovery tips mentioned in this case study could serve as a powerful tool for communities across the Gulf Coast as they begin to rebuild from the devastation that swept the area in Hurricane Harvey.

The City of Central has contracted with IBTS since 2011 to perform municipal services under a nonprofit-public partnership contract. A devastating flood event hit the City from August 11 to 13, 2016, dumping over seven trillion gallons of rain in a 48-hour period and flooding over 6,000 homes in the area. At the time of the disaster, IBTS staff were part of the City of Central, living and working in the community. Together, IBTS and Central staff sprung to action to help in the immediate response and recovery phases. Through their efforts and good fortune, all of Central's 27,000 residents survived the storm.

While the City continues to rebuild a year later, IBTS disaster recovery experts were able to guide the community through establishing a proper documentation system and share the best practices for working with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These tips could prove especially useful now for communities along the Gulf Coast as they are responding to damage brought on by Hurricane Harvey.

"Having previously experienced this type of disaster, IBTS understands to some degree what these communities are going through," says Steve Traina, Deputy Director for Economic Development and Disaster Recovery at IBTS. "It is our hope that in sharing the City of Central case study, these communities will gain insight into how to avoid mistakes and remain compliant as they explore grant funding options."

To download the full case study, please visit: http://www.ibts.org/insight/city-of-central-louisiana-2016-flood/

Additionally, if you are a part of one of the communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey or Irma and have any questions or concerns about the recovery process, please let us know. Our disaster recovery experts will be available to answer questions at no charge, as part of our community service.

About IBTS
IBTS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping communities through quality services that reduce risk, enhance public safety, and improve quality of life. IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia with branch offices across the country. IBTS's work is guided by a Board of Directors made up of government officials appointed by five of the most highly respected, grassroots, state and local governmental associations, including the Council of State Governments (CSG), International City/County Management Association (ICMA), National Association of Counties (NACo), National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), and National League of Cities (NLC).

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