The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA was created by three Executive actions during the years 1978-79. While many are familiar with the acronym and aware of its role in disaster response, the public consciousness remains hazy regarding the organization. To cast light on the major duties and responsibilities fulfilled by FEMA, we’ve compiled a brief list below.
1. FEMA Declares Disasters
While there are arguably events that feel disastrous, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is particularly charged with bestowing official disaster status upon events such as floods, wildfires, and other natural events that cause destruction and substantial loss of life. They may only do so once the governor of a state impacted by disaster declares a state of emergency and requests assistance. As unnecessary as this may seem when populations are in crisis, it’s a major part of government bureaucracy. That’s the process by which money and resources are requisitioned and one of the major ways in which FEMA operates to help communities rebuild in the wake of any natural catastrophe.
2. Coordinating with Communities
Because disaster response delegation from the federal level is inefficient in many respects, FEMA staff work with communities, state organizations, and tribal authorities to develop and implement action programs. This falls under the heading of Community Planning and Capacity Building (CPCB) and is considered a primary function of the government organization. Such plans include state-level resource appropriations, inter-agency response plans that coordinate local and state responses in the event of a disaster, and public liaison with disaster response teams.
3. FEMA and Recovery Support Functions
The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not possess the necessary resources and workforce to implement essential recovery operations. Rather, it is a coordinator and serves as a hub for delegating critical resources where they are most needed in the wake of a disaster. They coordinate with the Department of Commerce to implement community or state economic rejuvenation. The Army Corps of Engineers serves as their primary hand when infrastructure and property are damaged. The Department of Housing and Urban Development coordinates shelter for displaced populations. If cultural resources are imperiled, FEMA works with the Department of the Interior to ensure that sensitive cultural sites and rights are maintained. But perhaps most importantly, the spread of infectious disease and other health crises are averted through the planning of the Department of Health and Human Services.
4. FEMA and Homeland Security
In 2003, FEMA became a part of the Department of Homeland Security. While this is a seemingly odd move, disaster preparedness and a speedy recovery are considered priorities by DHS. A disorganized region, hampered by damaged infrastructure and property, beset by disease, hunger, and homelessness is considered a major liability to national security.
5. FEMA Studies and Disaster Prevention
Beyond the training and communication building of CPCB, FEMA also works to assess potential trouble spots. They conduct extensive studies on vulnerable flood plains, examine major fault zones across the United States, and evaluate potential fire zones. It then works with local governments and insurance providers to ensure compliance with certain safety standards. This activity can include how a community plans zoning districts, floodplain maintenance, and insurance rate control based on where builders receive permission to build residential settlements.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is far from the passive beast of bureaucracy or a monolithic government entity that many imagine. Rather, it is a dedicated group of experts, scientists, and field agents who dedicate their careers to working with communities and states to ensure they are prepared if disaster should strike their region. They provide aid, gather and disseminate information, and work to maintain the cohesion at every level of government response.
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