Gather information and materials that can alert you to important developments and emerging issues. Make a habit of searching for information. Read the local newspaper, and pay attention to local TV and radio. Keep an eye on local zoning activities, State legislation, and city council or county board actions. Changes in policies.
Policies change from disaster to disaster.
Also, policies change once a disaster operation has begun. Make sure to be alert to all changing policies. If you take time off, make sure to ask if anything has changed while you were out. Informal power structures and community dynamics. Some strategies for gathering information are presented below.