On August 10, 2020, a derecho hit Cedar Rapids with winds of up to 140 miles per hour for 45 minutes. As a result, roads were impassible due to debris, the city was without power and cell service, and action was needed despite the pandemic. As first responders, Public Works provided immediate response to open roads for emergency vehicles, restored traffic control, and staffed the City’s Incident Command. Emergency contracts were activated, and requests for mutual aid were fulfilled. The storm's impact resulted in the loss of 65% of the City’s trees, including 75% of trees in city parks. 4.3 million cubic yards of tree debris was collected in addition to 4,000 tons of inorganic debris. This amount of debris required long-term clean-up and heavily impacted the county landfill. Debris collection and damages to infrastructure were captured through geographic information system (GIS) collector apps to fulfill FEMA claim requirements. This session will help participants better respond to emergencies within their communities.
 
Learning Objectives

After attending this session, participants will be better able to:

  1. Implement innovative, immediate operation efforts post-natural disaster.
  2. Plan for long-term cleanup and restoration processes post-natural disaster.
  3. Prepare data for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claim submission.

Contributor/Source

Mike Duffy

Claim CEUs

Submit this form to claim CEUs.