CPWM Emergency Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which FEMA program provides public works agencies with reimbursement for emergency protective measures and debris removal after a presidentially declared disaster?
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- Public Assistance (PA) Program (Correct answer)
- Individual Assistance (IA) Program
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Correct answer: Public Assistance (PA) Program
FEMA's Public Assistance Program reimburses eligible local governments for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and restoration of damaged infrastructure after a major disaster declaration.
Question 2: In an Incident Command System (ICS), the Operations Section Chief reports directly to whom?
- Emergency Operations Center Director
- Incident Commander (Correct answer)
- Logistics Section Chief
- Agency Administrator
Correct answer: Incident Commander
All Section Chiefs — Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration — report directly to the Incident Commander in ICS.
Question 3: A public works director is establishing a debris management site after a major hurricane. What is the primary regulatory concern when selecting a temporary debris management site (TDMS)?
- Proximity to major highways for ease of access
- Avoidance of wetlands, floodplains, and environmentally sensitive areas (Correct answer)
- Maximizing storage capacity regardless of location
- Ensuring the site is on public rather than private land
Correct answer: Avoidance of wetlands, floodplains, and environmentally sensitive areas
TDMS selection must avoid environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and floodplains to comply with federal environmental regulations and avoid jeopardizing FEMA reimbursement.
Question 4: What document establishes the framework for how a jurisdiction will manage emergencies and coordinate among departments and agencies?
- Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
- Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (Correct answer)
- Incident Action Plan (IAP)
- National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Correct answer: Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is the overarching document that defines roles, responsibilities, and coordination procedures for managing emergencies within a jurisdiction.
Question 5: During a major flood, a public works crew discovers a gas line has been ruptured while clearing debris. What is the immediate first action?
- Continue debris removal while calling the gas company
- Evacuate the area and notify emergency services and the gas utility (Correct answer)
- Attempt to cap the line using available equipment
- Document the damage and wait for utility crews
Correct answer: Evacuate the area and notify emergency services and the gas utility
A ruptured gas line creates an immediate life-safety hazard requiring immediate area evacuation and notification of emergency services and the utility company.
Question 6: Under the National Response Framework (NRF), Emergency Support Function #3 (ESF-3) covers which primary area?
- Mass Care and Housing
- Public Works and Engineering (Correct answer)
- Communications
- Urban Search and Rescue
Correct answer: Public Works and Engineering
ESF-3 covers Public Works and Engineering, making it the primary ESF for public works managers during federal disaster response operations.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'force account' in FEMA's Public Assistance Program?
- A pre-negotiated contract with private debris removal firms
- Documentation of costs incurred when using an agency's own employees and equipment (Correct answer)
- A federal account established to fund emergency response
- A mutual aid agreement between neighboring jurisdictions
Correct answer: Documentation of costs incurred when using an agency's own employees and equipment
Force account refers to work performed by the applicant's own employees and equipment, and proper documentation of these costs is required for FEMA PA reimbursement.
CPWM Emergency Management 2
Which FEMA program provides public works agencies with reimbursement for emergency protective measures and debris removal after a presidentially declared disaster?