FEMA Case Study Library

Browse case study reports and best practice articles from across FEMA's areas of expertise. You can search by title or keywords, select additional content filters, or jump to a collection.

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Drought Hazard Use Case

As a producer of soybeans, corn and livestock, Iowa’s economy revolves around water. When a three-year drought hit Iowa, it was clear the state needed to make major investments toward drought resilience. As a result, a multi-agency partnership formed the drought coordination team, which leveraged national, regional and state resources including the National Risk Index to create the Iowa Drought Plan.

West Virginia Forms Partnerships to Increase Rural Engagement

West Virginia partners with the Pioneer Network to help spread flood risk information and build community capacity.

Rebuilding Education: Tipton County's Response to a Devastating Tornado

On March 31, 2023, an EF3 tornado wreaked havoc in Tipton County, causing one fatality and 28 injuries in Covington, Tennessee. The Tipton County School Board took on the critical responsibility of swiftly reintegrating students into classrooms for the remainder of the academic year.

Protecting School Children from Tornadoes: State of Kansas School Shelter Initiative

On May 3, 1999, a series of intense storms moved through “Tornado Alley,” producing numerous tornadoes that tore through areas of Oklahoma and Kansas.

Miami County, Ohio: Virtual Inspections

Current building codes require site inspections at several stages throughout the construction process. These can include inspections of concrete slabs, foundation walls, insulation, and roof ice guards, as well as re-inspections of specific or code-required (i.e., welds, masonry, etc.) items.

Community Wind Shelters: Background and Research

Because of the rising frequency of extreme weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strongly encourages homeowners and communities to build safe rooms to FEMA standards. Community shelters have been consistently needed due to the increased risk posed by strong winds and flying debris during natural hazards.

Mitigation Matters: Rebuilding for a Resilient Future

It’s imperative to acquaint yourself with alternative resources designed to mitigate losses resulting from uncovered damages. These resources are equally essential in fortifying your significant investments against the potential impact of natural hazards, fostering resilience, and minimizing vulnerabilities.

Austin: The State Capital’s Fight Against Wildfire

In 2013, Austin was ranked the city with the third greatest risk of wildfire-related structure losses, specifically for communities outside the urban core. These areas, known as the wildland-urban interface, are in the transition zone between undeveloped rural wildlands and developed areas and account for 61% of households in Austin and 64% of the land within Austin city limits.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Integration: Driven by Relationships

In 2012, Larimer County, Colorado experienced a major wildfire, followed by a major flood in 2013. Many residents were isolated by these events, either through damage to infrastructure or communications systems. These two disasters showed gaps in the county’s emergency capabilities and public safety information outreach.

Iberia Parish Communications Center: Maximizing Mitigation through Collaboration

The Iberia Parish Emergency Operations Center, operated from the 1930’s era Iberia Parish Courthouse.  The parish had outgrown the courthouse building and wanted to make improvements.