Authorize disaster flexibilities in advance rather than during the disaster.

Agencies should pre-authorize, in writing, the flexibilities officers may extend during a disaster (e.g., telephone and video check-ins; automatic 30-to-60-day extensions for treatment and classes; waiver of late fees and re-enrollment fees) and a clear rule that compliance with an evacuation order should not be recorded as a technical violation. Discretion exercised in the middle of a disaster is where supervision most often fails the individuals who are already the most vulnerable, and where officers are left to improvise. These rules should be settled and communicated before they are needed.