Post-storm surveys and assessments

(a) In general The Under Secretary shall perform 1 or more post-storm surveys and assessments following every hazardous weather or water event determined by the Under Secretary to be of sufficient societal importance to warrant a post-storm survey and assessment. (b) Coordination The Under Secretary shall coordinate with Federal, State, and local governments, private entities, and relevant institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) when conducting post-storm surveys and assessments under this section to optimize data collection, sharing, integration, archiving, and access, as appropriate for research needs. (c) Data availability The Under Secretary shall make the appropriate data obtained from each post-storm survey or assessment conducted under this section available to the public as soon as practicable after conducting each such survey or assessment. (d) Improvement In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary shall— (1) examine the role of uncrewed aerial and marine systems in data collection during post-storm surveys and assessments conducted under this section; (2) identify gaps in tactics and procedures and update such tactics and procedures to enhance the efficiency and reliability of data obtained from post-storm surveys and assessments; and (3) as appropriate, integrate social, behavioral, and economic sciences elements into existing post-storm surveys and assessments, including elements related to the efficacy of forecast and warning information that was shared with the public, barriers that affected the ability of the public to take action, and any challenges with respect to messaging about the hazardous weather or water event. (e) Support for employees The Under Secretary shall provide access to training, resources, and professional counseling to support the mental health of employees conducting post-storm surveys and assessments under this section. (f) Exemption Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply to the collection of information during a post-storm survey or assessment conducted under this section.