Disaster Management Recovery | Emergency Debris Management Using GIS

Disaster debris removal is often the first visible step a community takes in the recovery phase. Esri's ArcGIS Solution for Emergency Debris Management expedites initial debris removal operations; assesses debris volume; and monitors the removal of debris accumulated on roads and at public facilities by following the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) standard guidelines.

ArcGIS solutions for debris management

Prepare for emergencies
Speed initial debris clearance
Assess debris removal needs
Monitor debris removal

Train personnel and prepare for deployment

Effective organizations train in advance of a disaster, using mock exercises to familiarize personnel with processes and technology needed during a real disaster. The Emergency Debris Management Center trains mobile workers, based on security requirements, on the apps they will use to perform assessments and debris removal operations.

A desktop computer displaying an Emergency Debris Management Center web browse

Triage road obstructions and clearance needs

After a disaster strikes, emergency managers must rapidly identify and clear roads for medical and search and rescue teams. The Emergency Debris Management solution includes a series of information products to report roads obstructed by debris, assign reports to field clearance crews, and monitor and update the status of clearance assignments.

A desktop computer displaying a Debris Clearance screen

Collect, analyze, and assess from the field

Recovery begins by assessing how much debris has been generated, where it's located, and what types of debris exist. This information can be used to support requests for federal disaster assistance under the Stafford Act. Esri's debris management solution can also be used to perform debris assessments and manage and monitor progress.

A desktop computer displaying an Emergency Debris Management Center assessment with a map and icons showing the locations of the debris, and a mobile view on a mobile phone

Provide transparency and accountability

Organizations managing debris removal face many documentations and community transparency challenges. The Emergency Debris Management solution supports a variety of debris removal workflows—certification of trucks, load and unload tickets, management of removal provider work areas and status, and overall removal process monitoring.

A desktop computer displaying a Debris Removal Dashboard with a map and icons showing the locations of the debris, graphs, percentages of completion, and a mobile view on a mobile phone

ESRI BLOG

Key West collects assessments after hurricane

After Hurricane Irma hit Key West, Florida, the city collected damage assessments and monitored debris removal with GIS, expediting recovery.

Read the blog

ARCNEWS

A Plan for Cleaning Up Disaster Debris

Following Hurricane Sandy, the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began developing its first comprehensive debris management plan using ArcGIS.

Read the article

DASHBOARD

Cal OES debris operations dashboard

View how Cal OES and Cal Recycle are assessing and removing debris after wildfires in a real-time dashboard created using ArcGIS Dashboards.

View the dashboard

ArcGIS StoryMaps

Salem, Oregon, manages ice storm tree damage

With debris from storms creating hazardous situations throughout the city, staff turned to ArcGIS to help manage and communicate about the process.

See the ArcGIS StoryMaps story

ArcGIS Solutions and products for debris management

Explore the ArcGIS Solution for Emergency Debris Management and other products to enhance debris management for emergency and disaster management.

ArcGIS Survey123

ArcGIS Survey123 is a simple, intuitive formcentric data-gathering solution that works via the web or mobile devices, even when disconnected.

Go to ArcGIS Survey123
ArcGIS Field Maps

ArcGIS Field Maps is an all-in-one app that uses data-driven maps to help mobile workers streamline critical workflows.

Go to ArcGIS Field Maps
ArcGIS Dashboards

ArcGIS Dashboards helps make decisions, visualize trends, monitor status in real time, and inform mission-critical decisions.

Go to ArcGIS Dashboards

Emergency Debris Management

The ArcGIS solution for emergency debris management supports key workflows to expedite debris clearance following FEMA program standards.

Go to the solution

Emergency and Disaster Management solutions

Disaster Response Program (DRP)

Request immediate assistance for an active emergency response or find out how we help when disaster strikes.

Learn more about the DRP

Public safety federal funding options

Real-time situational awareness

Special event management

Health and human crisis

Contact sales

Learn more about Esri

About ArcGIS

About services

About Esri

Contact us

Call us

1-800-447-9778

Outside the United States

Debris Management