From rapid response to recovery and resilience
KPMG helps the State of Florida cope with Hurricane Ian
Client
State of Florida
Industry
Government/Public sector
Primary goal
Support Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) in responding to and recovering from Hurricane Ian
Approach
Serve FDEM with disaster preparedness, emergency response surge support, after-action assessment, and disaster finance compliance during recovery
Long before Hurricane Ian began gaining strength in September 2022, the State of Florida knew that disaster planning and management would make a real difference in its ability to protect and provide for millions of citizens. Having served Florida by providing validation services for Hurricanes Irma and Michael, KPMG was well equipped to provide emergency response support. That’s why the state selected KPMG to assemble a multifunctional team to work closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). By assessing the likely impact of the storm and facilitating coordination between top state officials, local governments, and private contractors, we helped the state react quickly and effectively to one of its worst disasters.
Key Outcomes
-
Coordinated preparation
and response across hundreds of government and private entities
-
Faster response
and recovery from the fifth-strongest hurricane to strike the U.S.
-
Better preparation
for future events
Client transformation journey
Click on each part of the journey to learn more about our client’s transformation.
“I’m so proud of our team’s work in supporting Florida in its time of need. While those on the ground have put in long hours side by side with state emergency officials at the highest levels, other team members have backfilled their client roles.”
Anthony Monaco
KPMG Florida Lead Account Partner
1. Finance Function
Modeling the cost of catastrophe
Building on our earlier work on disaster recovery contracts, our team assisted FDEM by assessing budget needs overall and how they might expand in the event of a major storm. By compiling, analyzing, and reviewing a range of past response and recovery costs, we created a new financial model to prepare the state for future events. Other tasks included prioritizing payments to vendors and applying for and coordinating payments from FEMA and other sources.
2. Operations and management function
Coordination, communication, and support
When major disasters occur, states inevitably need more people and resources than they normally have on hand. In evaluating sources for outside help, they also identify specific skill sets needed for an effective response. As Ian approached, FDEM engaged the project management skills available from KPMG as a complement to their own efforts. Working alongside FDEM from before landfall through the first stages of response and recovery, our most critical role was to help coordinate the activities of multiple public and private players. Key actions included:
- Supporting the mobilization of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), first responders and hospitals, and community aid groups
- Providing program oversight and assistance with technical questions related to recovery activities, debris removal, and completing standardized forms
- Gathering real-time data on the status of the storm and response and rescue activity
- Coordinating the state government’s response with those of multiple counties and municipalities
- Assembling and presenting data to enable better and faster decisions for the FDEM director, governor, and other senior officials
- Developing operation plans to support debris removal, damage assessment and engineering, demobilization of first responders, and logistical support throughout all phases of the storm.
3. Recovery function
Helping the state do more for those in need
In the aftermath of the storm, KPMG continued its support for FDEM in planning and coordinating the transition from response to recovery. Drawing on lessons learned from previous hurricanes, our team helped the state deliver vital services to constituents more quickly and effectively. These included:
- Setting up temporary shelters for residents forced to evacuate their homes
- Complementing these shelters with dedicated service facilities to provide medicine, treatment, and counseling, as well as assistance with cellphone service, insurance claims, and even locating lost pets.
After these measures were in place, we also provided guidance and support in other post-storm functions, including:
- Disaster recovery monitoring to maintain quality of services and help minimize the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse
- Documentation of recovery work and costs to accelerate and improve reimbursement from FEMA or sources.
Finding insights in the face of disaster
A better approach to disaster planning, response, and recovery. KPMG has the knowledge, experience, and specialist teams to help state and local governments plan for disasters in advance and react and recover more effectively. Learn how our approach to operational resilience helps build confidence and trust.
Meet our team
Rethink the unthinkable
Let’s talk about how to prepare and respond to disaster or disruption.
Anthony Monaco
National Emergency Management Practice Leader, State & Local, KPMG US
Arthur Higbee
Advisory Managing Director, Transformation Delivery, KPMG LLP
Anthony Monaco
National Emergency Management Practice Leader, State & Local, KPMG US
Arthur Higbee
Advisory Managing Director, Transformation Delivery, KPMG LLP