Before and After the Storm: Preparing for Disaster and Navigating the FEMA Recovery Process

Hurricane season is upon us!In this episode of The Intersection, hosts and partners Roger C. Pou and Justin D. Luger sit down with Evan Fancher, Regional Manager of South Florida at DRC Emergency Services, to walk through what it really takes to protect your community's ability to recover after a disaster strikes.Evan, Roger, and Justin discuss what governments can do before a storm even hits; how to get your documentation, contracts, and processes in order ahead of time; and why preparation is the single biggest factor in avoiding a denied FEMA claim. From there, the conversation covers the Public Assistance process itself — what to expect, where claims break down, and how to navigate the appeals process if your municipality finds itself fighting for funding it deserves.Whether your community is preparing for hurricane season or recovering from a major event, this episode offers a look at the challenges, strategies, and lessons that shape successful disaster recovery efforts.YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LJdVU3qoUUoHOSTS:Roger C. Pou, WSHC+B PartnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcpouJustin D. Luger, WSHC+B PartnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-luger-09622036Website: https://www.wsh-law.comGUEST:Evan FancherSouth Florida Regional Manager at DRC Emergency Serviceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-fancher-55940b36EPISODE BREAKDOWN:[00:00:01] - [00:04:35] Welcome & Episode Overview. Roger and Justin introduce the episode's focus. Hosts and guest share their backgrounds and experience.[00:04:35] - [00:09:55] Pre-Storm Prep. Contracts & Procurement. Evan outlines what cities must do before hurricane season and discuss Scope of Work & Contractor Selection Tailoring your RFP to your community's specific geography matters.[00:09:55] - [00:16:10] The Role of Documentation & Debris Monitors. Hosts and Guest discuss as thorough, real-time documentation is the foundation of any successful FEMA claim and how Debris Monitors Are Non-Negotiable.[00:16:10] - [00:21:50] Legal Review & RFP Compliance. Discussion on reviewing RFPs going out and verifying that contracts comply with both local procurement ordinances and federal FEMA requirements.[00:21:50] - [00:28:00] When FEMA Denies Your Claim. Justin and Evan walk through the most common reasons claims fail and why denials can arrive years after the disaster and discuss the appeals process.[00:28:00] - [00:30:13] Final thoughts and final words on appeal process. Roger and Justin have successfully overturned zero-dollar FEMA awards to multi-million dollar recoveries.WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134Website: https://www.wsh-law.com/SPONSOR: A Crafty Chick Miami!The company that's "Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami."Visit their Instagram page at: @acraftychickmiamiSubscribe to The Intersection: wsh-law.com/news-updates