Berquist Recovery Consulting

10/28/2026

FEMA has announced $400 million in funding to help communities reduce flood risks to properties insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The funding provides an opportunity for eligible communities to pursue flood mitigation projects, including efforts to reduce repetitive flood losses and protect vulnerable properties.

Does your community have a flood mitigation project under consideration? Contact us to discuss whether it may qualify for funding and get a strong application moving.

Read FEMA's announcement for additional information on the funding opportunity and application process:

https://hubs.li/Q04Cxv5R0

10/20/2026

Federal emergency declarations have been approved for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in response to Typhoon Champi, which brought dangerous winds and heavy rainfall to the region.

The declarations make federal assistance available for eligible emergency protective measures, helping local governments and other eligible applicants respond to the storm.

How is federal disaster relief different for US territories? And how does that affect FEMA reimbursement?

On our blog, we explain these distinctions, including eligible costs, available assistance, and what applicants should know about FEMA reimbursement.

Read more:

Learn how FEMA disaster assistance for territories works, including eligibility, funding programs, disaster declarations, and recovery support.

10/15/2026

Today is the Great American ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill encouraging individuals, businesses, schools, and government agencies to practice what to do when an earthquake strikes.

Remember the 2011 earthquake that shook Washington, D.C., and much of the East Coast? That magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred along a previously unidentified fault, reminding us that earthquakes aren't limited to traditionally high-risk areas, like California.

At 10:15 a.m. local time (set your phone alarm now), participants across the country are encouraged to practice three simple actions: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

The Great ShakeOut is also an opportunity for organizations to review emergency response plans, communication procedures, and potential vulnerabilities in their facilities.

A few minutes of preparation can make a difference.
Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04zYbz20 (https://hubs.li/Q04zYbz20)

10/13/2026

As communities across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia respond to Hurricane Isaias, federal emergency declarations have been issued to support response efforts.

These declarations authorize certain FEMA Category B emergency protective measures, which may include emergency evacuations and sheltering, flood fighting, emergency access, and other actions necessary to protect lives and property. Eligibility depends on the specific assistance authorized under each declaration.

Damage assessments are also underway to determine whether major disaster declarations are warranted, potentially unlocking additional federal resources and recovery funding. These will depend on assessed damages to physical infrastructure.

For municipal finance directors, now is the time to track expenses, document personnel and equipment usage, and organize records to support potential FEMA reimbursement.

BRC's guide outlines the important role municipal finance directors play following a disaster and steps they can take to protect their communities' financial interests.

Read the guide: https://hubs.li/Q04zY6830 (https://hubs.li/Q04zY6830)


Photo credit: FEMA

10/08/2026

Where’s the money?

A new GAO report highlights how long FEMA funding can take to reach communities, including significant delays involving billions of dollars in BRIC mitigation funding.

BRIC is an important program that helps communities invest proactively in projects that can reduce future disaster losses. But federal funding doesn’t always arrive when you need it.

Communities should plan for the financial gap, including cash reserves, insurance, available federal programs and access to financing when needed.

Watch our latest BRC Disaster Desk for more as part of our Fall FEMA Funding Series.

10/02/2026

When a storm causes significant beach erosion, will FEMA pay to restore it?

The latest BRC Disaster Desk looks at FEMA eligibility after the recent nor’easter and what coastal communities can do before a storm to prepare.

This is the first installment in our Fall FEMA Funding Series.

09/25/2026

A nor’easter is moving up the Atlantic Coast, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding.

As we wrap up National Preparedness Month, our latest Disaster Desk explains how these storms form, what makes them different from hurricanes, and what municipalities and residents can do to prepare and recover.

A storm doesn't have to be a hurricane to cause significant damage. Preparedness doesn't end in September, and the impacts of these storms will be felt for months or even years as communities recover.

09/18/2026

September is National Preparedness Month. It’s a good time for communities to revisit their existing preparedness and mitigation work and consider how those assessments can connect to future funding opportunities.

Start with what you already have. Review your Hazard Mitigation Plan, risk and vulnerability assessments, flood maps, and lessons learned from past disasters. Assess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and facilities. Where are your biggest risks? What infrastructure is exposed to flooding, severe weather, or other hazards? Which mitigation projects have been discussed but never moved forward?

Those findings can help inform upcoming budgeting and capital planning cycles while also building a pipeline of projects that may be eligible for federal mitigation funding.

Potential opportunities include FEMA’s Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) when a major disaster has been declared in your state, as well as the forthcoming FY 2026 BRIC funding opportunity (BRIC FY 2026 application dates have not been announced yet).

As the federal disaster landscape continues to evolve, state and local governments should be prepared to take greater ownership of identifying, prioritizing, and developing mitigation projects.

Grant programs often have limited application windows. Identifying priorities, reviewing eligibility, and beginning project development now can put your community in a much better position when funding becomes available.

Preparedness is not just about being ready to respond. It is also about investing now to reduce the impact of the next disaster.

09/11/2026

25 years ago, the September 11 attacks changed our nation and the field of emergency management forever.

Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognize the families, survivors, and communities forever affected.

The lessons of 9/11 continue to shape how we prepare for emergencies: planning for both natural and manmade threats, strengthening communications between responding agencies, improving coordination, and practicing plans before they are needed.

The anniversary is a reminder that preparedness is never finished. We honor those lost by continuing to build safer, more resilient communities.

Never forget.

Photo: National Park Service. U.S. Park Police Major Tom Wilkins holds the American flag during rescue operations at Ground Zero.

09/03/2026

September is National Preparedness Month. Is your community ready?

Preparedness isn't just about having an emergency plan. It's also about taking steps before the next disaster to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.

For municipalities and other public entities, September is a good time to:
✓ Review your Hazard Mitigation Plan and priority projects
✓ Assess floodplain management and compliance
✓ Review and update building codes
✓ Exercise emergency plans and practice for potential events
✓ Identify infrastructure projects that could reduce future disaster impacts

These efforts have value regardless of what funding programs become available. They can also help position communities for future FEMA mitigation opportunities, including a potential next round of BRIC funding.

Preparedness starts long before the storm, flood, wildfire, or other disaster arrives.

We’ve put together additional preparedness tips and resources for communities here: https://hubs.li/Q04wz0Tg0

Learn how to prepare for the next BRIC Grant Program funding opportunity with practical tips to improve project readiness and competitiveness.