Tidal Basin Glossary
Browse emergency and disaster management terms, programs and more
Browse definitions by letter
After Action Report (AAR)
A comprehensive document that captures the outcomes, performance analysis, and lessons learned from an emergency response or training exercise. It highlights what worked effectively, identifies areas for improvement, and offers practical recommendations to strengthen future operations.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Legislation passed in 2021 to deliver economic, public health, and recovery support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It allocates funding to strengthen infrastructure, aid communities, and bolster emergency management efforts across the country.
Audit/Fraud Waste Manager (AFWM)
An essential function focused on safeguarding resources within emergency management programs. This role emphasizes accountability and compliance by detecting, preventing, and addressing potential fraud, waste, or abuse of allocated funds.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
BRIC, which ended in 2025, was a FEMA initiative designed to advance disaster resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. By funding pre-disaster mitigation projects, it prioritized sustainability, innovation, and community-based collaboration to minimize the impact of future natural disasters.
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3)
A governmental body focused on coordinating disaster recovery, long-term reconstruction, and resilience-building initiatives, primarily in Puerto Rico. It oversees the management of federal disaster aid, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and supports the creation of stronger, more sustainable infrastructure and communities.
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
A prestigious certification awarded by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) to professionals demonstrating advanced expertise in emergency management. It signifies a commitment to leadership, continuous professional development, and adherence to best practices across all phases of emergency management, including readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
A comprehensive emergency management plan is built on five core components. The components include a risk assessment, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. A well-crafted CEMP provides a structured approach to managing emergencies so that every phase of a disaster, from preparedness to recovery, is addressed.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The CDBG program was established in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community Development Act. Its goal was to create a flexible, decentralized funding mechanism to support community development initiatives.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program allows states and local governments to tailor their use of funds to meet local needs while adhering to national priorities, such as improving affordable housing, reducing blight, and expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate-income individuals.
Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV)
A federal program aimed at helping communities respond to and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by HUD, it supports initiatives like improving public health outcomes, stabilizing housing, and fostering economic recovery.
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
A HUD-administered funding program designed to assist in recovery from federally declared disasters. It offers flexible financial support for rebuilding infrastructure, promoting housing recovery, and revitalizing disaster-affected economies.
Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT)
A federal funding initiative focused on reducing risks and building disaster resilience in at-risk areas. Overseen by HUD, it supports projects that address vulnerabilities, minimize disaster impacts, and promote long-term sustainability and innovation.
Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is a strategic blueprint that outlines how an organization will sustain its essential functions during and after a disaster. Its primary goal is to minimize disruptions to critical services, reduce the disaster’s impact, and enable a swift recovery. This plan is a key component of an organization’s overall disaster recovery strategy and is important for maintaining operational resilience in the face of various threats.
Contact-Center-as-a-Service (CCaaS)
CCaaS is a cloud-based platform that provides organizations with the tools they need to manage customer interactions across various channels, including phone, email, chat, and social media. Unlike traditional contact centers that require significant investments in infrastructure, CCaaS solutions operate in the cloud, allowing organizations to scale their operations as needed without the burden of maintaining physical hardware.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
A federal law passed in 2020 to address the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The act provided direct financial assistance to individuals, offered support to businesses, and allocated funds for public health and emergency management initiatives.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
A comprehensive approach employing tools and policies to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access, leaks, or loss. This practice is essential in emergency management for maintaining secure communication and protecting critical information during crises.
Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
A state-level entity dedicated to fostering economic prosperity through workforce development and business growth. It supports disaster recovery by facilitating funding, job creation, and initiatives to rebuild resilient and sustainable communities.
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
A federal agency focused on promoting health and enhancing the quality of life for Americans. HHS oversees programs like Medicare, public health initiatives, and social services to improve access to care and aid vulnerable populations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
A federal agency tasked with protecting the nation from threats and ensuring safety. DHS manages critical areas such as immigration security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and counterterrorism efforts.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
A federal agency that supports national housing policies and community development. HUD works to provide safe, affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and foster urban vitality through grants and programs.
Digital Equity Act
The Digital Equity Act allocates federal funds to support projects that aim to provide access to the internet and digital devices to underserved populations. Its primary objectives include ensuring universal access to broadband services, promoting digital literacy, and enabling all Americans to participate fully in the digital world. The overall aim is to create a more inclusive digital society where everyone has the skills and access needed to thrive in a digital economy.
Disaster Mitigation
Disaster mitigation encompasses proactive and reactive strategies to minimize the risks and impacts of natural hazards on communities. It includes a wide range of actions, policies, and interventions aimed at various stages of the disaster management cycle, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
Emergency Management (EM)
The structured process of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the effects of disasters and emergencies. It involves collaboration among agencies, organizations, and communities to ensure safety, minimize impact, and build resilience.
Emergency Operation Plan (EOP)
A detailed guide that outlines strategies, roles, and resources necessary for managing emergency situations. It provides a framework for coordinated actions among agencies and stakeholders during disasters.
Emergency Operation Centers (EOC)
A centralized location where emergency response teams manage disaster-related efforts. It functions as the primary hub for communication, coordination, and resource deployment during emergencies.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The structured process of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the effects of disasters and emergencies. It involves collaboration among agencies, organizations, and communities to ensure safety, minimize impact, and buA detailed guide that outlines strategies, roles, and resources necessary for managing emergency situations. It provides a framework for coordinated actions among agencies and stakeholders during disasters.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
A federal initiative offering financial support to renters at risk of losing housing due to emergencies. This program helps cover rent, utility costs, and other essential housing expenses.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
A U.S. government agency focused on coordinating federal disaster response and recovery. FEMA provides resources, funding, and expertise to communities before, during, and after emergencies.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
A government organization that insures mortgages, making housing more affordable and accessible. It plays a critical role in disaster recovery by fostering stability and supporting housing redevelopment.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
A federal agency responsible for funding and overseeing public transportation systems. It aids in disaster recovery by ensuring transit systems are restored and reinforced for future resilience.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A technological tool for managing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data. It is essential in emergencies for identifying hazards, allocating resources, and visualizing affected areas to inform response strategies.
Grant Management Services
Grant management involves the comprehensive administration of grant funds from application to closure, ensuring every phase adheres to stringent fiscal and regulatory standards. It plays a crucial role in helping organizations obtain and efficiently use funds for projects that might otherwise be unfeasible.
This includes managing grants from various sources such as federal, state, local, and private sectors, each with its own set of rules and expectations.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) is a suite of grant programs administered by FEMA that helps communities and organizations reduce the risk of damage from future disasters. HMA provides funding for projects designed to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. These grants prioritize long-term risk reduction, building resilience before disasters strike.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
A federal initiative managed by FEMA that supports efforts to lessen the impact of future disasters. The program funds projects such as infrastructure upgrades, property acquisitions, and strategic community planning to enhance resilience. By addressing potential risks and vulnerabilities in advance, the HMGP seeks to protect lives, reduce property damage, and lower disaster recovery costs.
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
A structured framework created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to aid in designing, conducting, and assessing emergency preparedness exercises. It enables organizations to enhance their readiness by simulating real-world scenarios, identifying weaknesses, and refining response plans.
Housing and Community Development (HCD)
A collective term for programs that focus on enhancing housing accessibility, affordability, and quality while promoting overall community well-being. It includes initiatives aimed at meeting housing needs, driving economic growth, and improving community infrastructure.
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
A worldwide professional organization committed to promoting and advancing the emergency management profession. IAEM supports its members through training, resources, and forums for networking and knowledge sharing. It also champions best practices and advocates for effective policies to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts globally.
La Niña
La Niña is a weather phenomenon characterized by cooler-than-average ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific, near the equator. It occurs when stronger-than-normal trade winds push warm water westward, causing cooler, deeper water to rise to the surface.
Managed IT Services
Managed IT services involve outsourcing IT tasks to a third-party provider, who monitors, manages, and resolves IT systems, enhancing efficiency and security.
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized framework for managing incidents, providing a common approach for government agencies and organizations to coordinate responses effectively during emergencies.
Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS)
A sheltering arrangement that offers separate living spaces, such as hotel rooms or apartments, for individuals or families during emergencies. This method ensures privacy, safety, and health, particularly during public health crises or large-scale disasters.
Non-Government Organization (NGO)
An independent nonprofit organization that operates outside governmental control, focusing on various causes like humanitarian aid, environmental protection, or social development. NGOs are vital in disaster response, providing critical resources, expertise, and support to communities in need.
Personal Identifying Information (PII)
Data that identifies an individual, such as names, social security numbers, birthdates, or contact details. Safeguarding PII is crucial in emergency management to protect privacy and prevent identity theft during response and recovery activities.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM)
A federal program providing funding to reduce risks and vulnerabilities before disasters strike. PDM supports projects like infrastructure upgrades, hazard mapping, and community planning to enhance safety and resilience.
Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Management (PREM)
A strategy emphasizing readiness, quick recovery, and adaptability to future emergencies. PREM focuses on planning, training, and resource management to ensure communities can withstand and recover from disasters effectively.
Project Management Office (PMO)
A dedicated team or department managing and coordinating projects within an organization. Within emergency management, a PMO ensures effective execution of disaster response and recovery plans to meet goals efficiently.
Public Assistance (PA)
A FEMA program offering financial support to governments and eligible nonprofits for disaster recovery and response activities. This includes funding for infrastructure restoration, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.
Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC)
A FEMA contract providing technical expertise and administrative support for managing Public Assistance programs. PA TAC ensures efficiency and compliance with federal requirements, aiding recovery efforts.
Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH)
The agency overseeing housing initiatives and policies in Puerto Rico. PRDOH plays an essential role in disaster recovery, managing housing aid and reconstruction programs for affected residents.
Quality Assurance (QA)
A process for ensuring that systems, operations, or services meet specified quality standards. QA in emergency management promotes reliability and effectiveness in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Quality Management Plan (QMP)
A document outlining steps to maintain and control quality standards in projects or programs. A QMP ensures accountability and success by defining procedures critical for achieving desired outcomes in emergency operations.
Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP)
A program from FEMA aiming to provide temporary repairs and essential power to disaster-damaged homes. STEP allows affected families to return home safely while permanent repairs are arranged.
Spaghetti Models
Spaghetti models are visual representations used in weather forecasting to predict storm paths, consisting of multiple lines on a map, each representing a potential trajectory based on different computer simulations.
Stafford Act
The Stafford Act is the primary legislation governing federal disaster response, enabling FEMA to provide financial and logistical support to states and local governments during emergencies. It facilitates public and individual assistance and promotes hazard mitigation.
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)
A State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is a central hub where multiple agencies coordinate responses during crises, allocating resources and making key decisions.
State, Local and Education (SLED)
State, Local, and Education (SLED) refers to state government departments and agencies, city and county governments, and public education institutions like schools and universities. This is a significant sector of government contracting and procurement in the United States.
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
A professional with extensive knowledge and expertise in a specialized field. SMEs are often consulted for their insights, training, or guidance in critical projects or organizational decisions.
Tidal Basin Caribe
Tidal Basin's regional division serving the Caribbean. Tidal Basin Caribe provides tailored disaster preparedness, response, and recovery services designed to meet the needs and challenges of the region.
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