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21 <br /> Elected Official's Guide to Emergencies and Disasters <br /> During the immediate recovery phase, the County and municipalities may be able to <br /> provide drinking water, food, emergency shelter, and ice through local and state <br /> resources. OCES normally does not provide batteries, flashlights, generators, sandbags, <br /> and medicine, but these items might be purchased through retail establishments. These <br /> items normally should be included in your personal disaster kits before a disaster or <br /> incident occurs. It is best for residents to have enough basic supplies on hand prior to an <br /> emergency to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. <br /> The coordination of the cost-recovery process during and after a disaster will be handled <br /> by Orange County Emergency Services to limit confusion, but elected officials can aid the <br /> process by assuring that the following vital documents are consistently maintained: <br /> • Original plans and drawings for all County facilities <br /> • Cost data from any recent improvements or additions <br /> • Copies of all applicable codes and standards <br /> • Pre-event photographs <br /> FEMA provides individual assistance by helping survivors apply for low-cost loans from <br /> the Small Business Administration, providing temporary housing, and providing some <br /> grants to replace items not covered by insurance. One of the most important <br /> contributions that Elected Officials can make is to point your constituents in the <br /> right direction for the information they need, whether it is a FEMA tele-registration <br /> number or a disaster field office, or to volunteer opportunities with debris removal <br /> or other cleanup activities. If you have a constituent who has functional or access needs <br /> for items or services, contact Orange County Emergency Services (919-245-6100) or <br /> E cr orangecountync.gov, not 9-1-1. <br /> Long-term recovery following a disaster takes years to complete. New Orleans, for <br /> example, is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Orange County is working <br /> through its first long term recovery plan from the COVID-19 pandemic and hopes to carry <br /> this recovery model forward as a best practice for all future disasters. You can learn more <br /> by visiting www.orangencforward.org. <br /> 18 <br />