Federal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency: The Backbone of Disaster Response

Imagine a world without FEMA—where every natural disaster left communities to fend for themselves. That’s the reality before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established in 1978, and it’s hard to fathom how different our response to disasters would be today.

A Brief History of FEMA

Before we dive into the current state of FEMA, let’s take a quick look at its origins. Federal emergency management has existed for over 200 years, with ad hoc legislation passed more than 100 times between 1803 and 1930. The Bureau of Public Roads was given authority to finance the reconstruction of highways and roads after a disaster in 1934. The Flood Control Act of 1944 gave the US Army Corps of Engineers authority over flood control and irrigation projects.

From HUD to FEMA

The Federal Disaster Assistance Administration was created under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1973. This agency would oversee disasters until its incorporation into FEMA in 1978, when it became a major agency within the newly formed Department of Homeland Security.

Key Functions of FEMA

FEMA’s primary purpose is to coordinate the response to a disaster that overwhelms local and state authorities. The governor must declare a state of emergency and formally request from the President that FEMA respond. While on-the-ground support of disaster recovery efforts is a major part of FEMA’s charter, the agency provides much more:

• State and Local Governments with Experts in Specialized Fields
• Funding for Rebuilding Efforts
• Relief Funds for Infrastructure Development
• Low-Interest Loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA)

Training and Preparedness

FEMA also provides funds for response personnel training and non-federal entities to provide housing and services for migrants. The agency has taken over coordination of the Ready Campaign, educating Americans on emergency preparation and response. The Surge Capacity Force allows for additional personnel to be deployed in times of need.

Challenges and Criticisms

FEMA’s performance during major disasters like Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has been widely criticized. FEMA was accused of not responding fast enough to house, feed, and sustain the approximately 250,000 people left homeless in the affected areas. The National Academy of Public Administration reviewed FEMA’s response and identified several basic paradigms in emergency management that were causes of the failed response.

Recent Developments

In 2018, FEMA had an annual budget of $30 billion. The agency maintains 23 cadres of work functions and skillsets to prepare, respond, and recover from various disasters. FEMA’s Mitigation Directorate is responsible for programs that take action before a disaster, in order to identify risks and reduce injuries, loss of property, and recovery time.

Programs and Grants

FEMA administers pre-disaster mitigation grants, which are available to acquire property for conversion to open space, retrofit existing buildings, construct tornado and storm shelters, manage vegetation for erosion and fire control, and small flood control projects. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds rebuilding after a current disaster in a way that reduces the impact of a similar future disaster.

Conclusion

FEMA’s role is crucial in ensuring that communities are prepared for and can recover from disasters. While challenges persist, FEMA continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of those affected by natural and man-made emergencies. The agency remains a vital component of our nation’s disaster response infrastructure.