Proactive disaster recovery: lessons from recent storms

It is time to adopt a more proactive approach to disaster recovery. As natural disasters continue to devastate communities nationwide, state and local governments are caught in a constant cycle of recovery. Government leaders must act quickly to help rebuild their communities and demonstrate that they can provide the recovery support needed.

Building trust and enabling swift recovery requires government responses that fulfill promises of assistance quickly, clearly, and effectively. Through our experience working with clients across the country, we have seen key strategies that can help accelerate recovery and strengthen relationships with affected communities:

• Exploring dynamic risk assessment solutions that can help communities pinpoint high-risk areas and proactively prepare even before a storm hits, mitigating potential damage and driving a faster response when disaster strikes.
• Integrating AI-powered tools to help expedite grant application data collection and review. At KPMG LLP, for instance, our KPMG Smart Grants Platform is helping states reduce grant application data collection and review times from months to just days, helping ensure quicker access to federal reimbursement dollars for affected people and communities.
• Building on-the-ground partnerships with agencies and response leaders to understand community-specific obstacles and opportunities, thereby enhancing communication and responsiveness during complex recoveries.

Post-storm recoveries are long, complex, and fraught with challenges. People impacted need clear guidance and achievable processes to be reassured that help is on the way. When recovery funds are available, efficient and secure distribution is vital, as is compliance with rules and regulations to avoid potential clawbacks. Strong partnerships, clear goals, and advanced, tailored tools can make a significant difference.

The stakes are high and building public trust is critical. With strategic planning and innovative solutions, we can rebuild our communities to better withstand future storms and support those that call them home. Learn more about how KPMG can make a difference in your disaster recovery efforts at visit.kpmg.us/recovery.