Berquist Recovery Consulting

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.

08/28/2026

This week, we pause to honor the memory of those lost and the millions of lives changed by Hurricane Katrina. It’s a somber anniversary that reminds us of the incredible resilience of communities like New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as a whole.

Katrina changed the landscape of emergency management forever, teaching us hard-won lessons about response, recovery, and mitigation. More than 20 years later, we carry these lessons forward to ensure we are better equipped to protect our communities.

We remember the strength of the survivors and the dedication of everyone who worked to rebuild.



Photo credit: White House / Paul Morse

08/27/2026

The newest named storm in the Atlantic is Dolly, an unusual coincidence following the passing of Dolly Parton.

But how do tropical storms get their names, who chooses them, and why are some names retired forever?

Watch the latest BRC Disaster Desk to learn more.

Rest in peace, Dolly. ❤️

08/19/2026

A flood disaster can expose vulnerabilities, but it can also create an opportunity to reduce future risk.

FEMA’s Swift Current program provides mitigation funding following certain flood-related disaster declarations to help communities prepare for the next flood.

Watch the latest from the BRC Disaster Desk.

08/14/2026

Some states aren't waiting for FEMA to announce the next round of BRIC funding, which helps communities strengthen infrastructure and reduce risk before disasters strike.

While FEMA has not officially announced a new BRIC funding opportunity, some states have already begun setting deadlines for local applicants to submit letters of intent for potential projects.

Now is a good time to start preparing.

Our latest BRC blog highlights three practical steps communities can take now to prepare for a future BRIC application and strengthen community resilience, regardless of whether they ultimately pursue BRIC funding.

Read more: https://hubs.li/Q04s-Z9Z0

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