FEMA and Emergency Preparedness

Even the most casual observer of current events has realized that in light of major disasters that have stricken the United States over the past several years, questions have come up regarding the responsibilities of government as well as FEMA¡¦s planning processes. In this paper, these topics will be discussed in detail for better understanding.

Responsibilities of Local, State and Federal Governments When Major Disasters Strike

Amid the chaos that inevitably comes in the wake of major disasters, for example the recent Hurricane Katrina which decimated the city of New Orleans and beyond, the question of governmental responsibility in responding to the disaster is critically important. Overall, the ideal scenario would be one of all of the government branches working in cooperation with volunteer organizations and the like to present a competent, professional and trustworthy response (Federal Emergency Management Agency, n.d., p. 2-6). While the question of who is responsible for each task in disaster response, there are tasks, as defined by FEMA, that must be fulfilled. Identified and described, these are as follows (Federal Emergency Management Agency, n.d.) :

MOBILIZING EMERGENCY RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL- This must be done on short notice in the face of the threat itself, and varies in complexity based upon the situation.

WARNING THE PUBLIC AND TAKING PROTECTIVE ACTION- These are related activities, designed to provide the public with the information they need for their protection as well as doing what is necessary to protect the population.

CARING FOR VICTIMS- Whatever victims need, be it medical attention, food/clothing/shelter, these are essentials to preserve the lives of victims.

ASSESSING DAMAGE- Both immediately after and for a longer term after a disaster, damage needs to be documented both for reconstruction and emergency management purposes.

RESTORING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES- Utilities are a must in populated areas, and need to be restored as soon as possible after a disaster; emergency managers need to coordinate this with the various utility companies right away.

INFORMING THE PUBLIC- Keeping the people informed avoids more problems later on and keeps panic to a minimum.

RECORD KEEPING- Every agency and group involved in the disaster recovery process must keep accurate records for maximum results.

PLANNING FOR RECOVERY- This should actually begin before the disaster hits, in order to be proactive and ready to respond after the disaster has subsided.

COORDINATING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES- Pulling together all of the recovery functions and activities is important to make sure that all issues are properly addressed and unmet needs are handled properly.

Overall, these tasks are designed with the end goal of protecting people and property, restoring needed services, and maintaining some level of normalcy in the face of disaster.

Preview of Issues Identified by FEMA¡¦s State and Local Guide 101, Guide for All Hazard Emergency Operations Planning

In 1996, FEMA published State and Local Guide 101; this large document details the Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) that should exist in the disaster recovery and response process. In the Guide, FEMA states that the purpose(s) of EOPs are:

Sets forth lines of authority and organizational relationships, and shows how all actions will be coordinated.

Describes how people and property will be protected in emergencies and disasters.

Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and other resources available--within the jurisdiction or by agreement with other jurisdictions--for use during response and recovery operations.

Identifies steps to address mitigation concerns during response and recovery activities. (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1996, p. 1-1)

Again, what is seen in this plan is the desire to earmark which activities need to take place in anticipation of and immediately following a disaster, which agencies should be involved in the activities, and how all of this can be efficiently incorporated into a unified response and rebuilding after the disaster. Interestingly, the division of responsibilities, while seemingly confused in reality, is laid out in this document, whereby individual states have the ultimate responsibility in the coordination and execution of recovery activities, with the Federal government providing support where needed. Of course, as in the case of recent events, the magnitude of a disaster could tax the resources of a state to the point that the Federal authorities must assume more responsibility.

Summary

Disaster planning, along with response, is critical when emergencies occur; FEMA, along with the individual states, play a critical role in these responses, and must work together for the best results.

References

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Emergency Management-Understanding Your Role. Retrieved January 8, 2007, from FEMA Web Site: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/downloads/is1_Unit2.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (1996, September). State and Local Guide 101-Guide for All Hazard Emergency Operations Planning.