FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Before we begin discussing FEMA, let us first clear up another misconception
that many people commonly and mistakenly believe that FEMA is the national flood
insurance organization. This is not true. The national program from where one
purchases flood insurance is The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a
federal program created by Congress in 1968 to enable homeowners to easily
purchase flood insurance from their insurance agents and companies. The NFIP
also produces regular informational packets to help homeowners understand the
specifics of their flood insurance policies.
So, who is FEMA and what do they do? FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency is directly responsible for protecting lives and property in the event of
a natural or man-made disaster, an act of terrorism or any other type of
full-scale hazard. They lead the nation by preparing for, protecting, responding
to, recovering and mitigating risky situations. While the organization has
thousands of full-time staff members, it has thousands more on standby that
would deploy as soon as disaster strikes. FEMA works in conjunction with local,
state and federal disaster relief and management agencies as well as the
American Red Cross.
In 2003, FEMA become part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its
headquarters are based in Washington, DC. Historically, FEMA has been well known
for its help in rebuilding areas that were severely hit by hurricanes and
tornadoes. Some of the disasters that FEMA aids are volcanic eruptions, forest
fires, landslides, tornadoes, snow storms, chemical spillage, hazardous material
contamination, earthquakes and nuclear power plant disasters.
In addition to responding to disasters, providing direction and helping to
rebuild, FEMA publishes information on public preparedness. It also provides
funding for communities who take steps to prevent future loss of life and
property. Grants are available by way of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
FEMA meets firefighters, emergency medical staff and other first response teams
in order to inform them about programs for training, protective equipment, and
general wellness and fitness.
Further, FEMA manages the NFIP, the federal flood insurance program mentioned in
the opening of this article. FEMA provides assistance in the way of temporary
shelter, funds for food and other critical expenses. It allows individuals to
apply for assistance directly online through their official website. Others may
use the 1-800 telephone number. The website provides information on whom is
eligible to apply, how to apply and how to check the application for approval or
refusal.
Despite the good work that FEMA has completed around the country, controversy
has surrounded the organization in recent years, as people have felt that
inexperienced, unqualified leaders managed the organization. It was also
believed that FEMA had not adequately responded to several disasters in the US
leaving victims vulnerable and without direction. To combat these inadequacies
within the organization and to regain public trust, FEMA was restructured in
2007 with a renewed vision and hopes to continue with improvements in 2008.
On March 22, 2008, the new National Response Framework went into effect
replacing the National Response Plan that seemed to be outdated and antiquated.
The NRF document takes into account what has been learned by past blunders and
uses the knowledge to move FEMA into a more co-operative and ready organization.
The new framework endeavors to bring together all parties including FEMA, local,
state and federal disaster relief organizations, non-profits and private
personnel to make the total team stronger and ultimately more effective in
preventing loss of life and reducing loss of property.