Disaster Recovery Task Force

Page Section Menu
Close
Expand

About the Disaster Recovery Task Force

Following Hurricane Harvey and recommendations from the “Eye of the Storm” report, the Disaster Recovery Task Force (DRTF) was developed through House Bill 6 from the 86th Legislative Session. Created to assist jurisdictions that have been impacted by an emergency or disaster, to recover more efficiently by starting the recovery process early in the response phase. Task Force members assist in training, development of procedures, dissemination of the most current recovery information, and respond to support local jurisdictions during an event.

The DRTF is a state resource that is comprised of TDEM staff and rostered local subject matter experts that can assist with mission requests from other local jurisdictions. The locally contracted DRTF members can serve as force multipliers, advisors, or technical specialists when deployed under the direction of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, to support local entities and Disaster Districts through a variety of incidents and disasters.

Response teams are recruited from various disciplines at the local levels and coordinated with other state agencies. The TDEM DRTF staff consists of team coordinators and finance coordinators throughout the state and specialist positions at headquarters for community and infrastructure recovery, mass care and voluntary organization coordination, as well as team and programmatic expansion.

Support Capabilities

The Disaster Recovery Task Force operates throughout all phases of emergency management. Preparedness into response following natural and man-made disasters and then throughout the long term recovery period by providing specialized assistance for communities and individuals to address financial issues, available federal assistance programs, and recovery and resiliency planning to speed recovery efforts at the local level.

  • EOC support upon request
  • Assist EMC with short/long-term recovery needs
  • DSO development assistance
  • Debris management guidance
  • Disaster finance guidance
  • Procurement and contract guidance
  • LTRG, COAD and VOAD engagement
  • Volunteer and donations management support
  • Mass Care (evacuation/sheltering)
  • Road assessment and repair prioritization assistance
  • Damage assessments (rapid/self-reporting survey)
  • Facilitate collection of damage data through multiple platforms
  • Facilitate transfer of damage data to TDEM Recovery Coordinators to streamline potential Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with federal partners post-disaster
  • Assist in the establishment of a Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRG) and support established resiliency and recovery mission focused organizations
  • Coordination with federal partners and programs within the community
  • Provide information to local jurisdictions on potential funding sources for recovery projects
  • Public education and awareness through the promotion of LTRG and/or Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) activities
  • Coordination with TDEM Mitigation Staff on previous disaster damage to aid in the mitigation planning
  • Provide training on recovery processes
  • Assist in the identification of planning considerations for recovery

Who Are We

The Disaster Recovery Task Force (DRTF) is a state resource comprised of multi-disciplined, multi-talented, and high qualified subject-matter experts with experience in all phases of emergency management. Deployable under the direction of the Texas Division of Emergency Management to assist and support local jurisdictions in the response to and recovery from any incident.  

Membership Program

The Disaster Recovery Task Force (DRTF) Membership Program is a reservist roster comprised of local-level government employees who may be requested to deploy to assist other local jurisdictions in the response to and recovery from disasters.

How Do I Apply?

If you are interested in becoming a deployable asset to the State of Texas, follow the steps below to make sure that you are eligible and submit the application properly.

Step –1: “Eligibility” Select the link above, “Qualifications,” to make sure that you meet all the requirements to apply to the program.

Step –2: “Supervisor Acknowledgement” As a part of your application, you will be required to demonstrate that your supervisor is aware that you are applying to the DRTFMembership Program. This form can be found within the application or by following the link above, “Supervisor Form.” This signed form must be submitted with your application.

Step –3: “Application” You meet the qualifications and have discussed the application with your supervisor, now you are ready to apply to the program. Follow the link above,“Application,” fill out, and submit the application with a professional photo/headshot, a copy of your driver’s license, and the signed supervisor acknowledgement form.

 Step –4: “Vetting” Now that you have successfully submitted your application, your information will be carefully reviewed by a series of panelist consisting of  regional staff, chiefs, and the DRTF leadership. This process may take some  time, but a DRTF staff member will reach out to you as soon as possible.

 Step –5: “Agreements” Once your application has gone through the approval process, TDEM and your home agency/employer will execute a series of agreements between local jurisdiction and TDEM. Once these agreements have been finalized, you will be an official member of the Disaster Recovery TaskForce and placed on a reservist roster where you may be requested to deploy to assist a jurisdiction in need.

Membership Roles

All DRTF Membership types bring value and expertise to the response and recovery phases. These distinct membership types are used to help differentiate the levels of experience and training necessary to effectively fulfill the needs of requesting jurisdictions.

DRTF Team Lead: A DRTF Team Lead is an experienced emergency management professional who can lead a team of Primary Team Members or interdisciplinary personnel in a high stress environment. This individual must have a professional demeanor and personal integrity to represent the community that is requesting support and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Primary Team Member: A Primary Team Member is an emergency management professional who has a well-rounded knowledge of emergency management processes and has demonstrated the ability to positively affect an emergency response or recovery effort. A Primary Team Members may also qualify as a Technical Specialist.

Secondary Team Member: A Secondary Team Member is an emergency management professional with general knowledge of emergency management processes with minimal experience in a specific discipline. A Secondary Team Member could be deployed to further their level of experience and serve in roles under direct supervision of a Primary Team Member.

Technical Specialist Lead: A Technical Specialist is a professional or subject matter expert who can lead a team of Technical Specialists and effectively communicate with emergency management staff and leadership professionals at all levels. A Technical Specialist Lead must have a professional demeanor and personal integrity to represent the community requesting support and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Technical Specialist: A Technical Specialist is an individual who has a skill set that can enhance response and recovery efforts by applying his or her expertise in an event. This person may or may not have a background in emergency management.

Single Resource: A Single Resource Member is an individual who may not be atypical member of DRTF but has a specific skillset that can support the needs of a requesting jurisdiction. This member would serve in a support role to aTechnical Specialist, Primary Team Member, or a Lead.

If you would like to join the DRTF Membership Program or have any comments, questions, or concerns, email TDEM-DRTF@TDEM.TEXAS.GOV