FEMA Safety Flashcards

Whose primary duty is it to manage FEMA?

Answer: Coordinating the federal government’s role in disaster preparation, prevention, and relief

FEMA's primary duty is to coordinate the federal government’s comprehensive role in disaster management across all phases: preparation, prevention, response, and relief. This involves leading and supporting efforts to protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA works to ensure a unified and effective federal approach to emergencies and disasters nationwide.

FEMA was established when?

Answer: 1979

FEMA was established on April 1, 1979, by President Jimmy Carter's Executive Order 12127. This order consolidated many disparate federal agencies and programs related to disaster assistance and civil defense into a single, unified organization. The goal was to create a more efficient and coordinated federal approach to emergency management.

What incident led Congress to prioritize homeland security and preparedness?

Answer: The 9/11 attacks

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, profoundly shifted the national focus towards homeland security and preparedness. These events led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003, under which FEMA was subsequently placed. This reorganization aimed to better coordinate federal efforts to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism and other major disasters.

How many different regions does FEMA have?

Answer: 10

FEMA divides the United States and its territories into 10 administrative regions. Each region has a dedicated office that works directly with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments within its geographic area. This regional structure helps FEMA effectively manage and coordinate emergency preparedness and response efforts across the diverse needs of the country.

What does FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center do?

Answer: Organizes and coordinates federal support for major disasters

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) serves as the agency's primary operations center for coordinating the federal government's response to significant domestic incidents. It brings together representatives from various federal agencies to manage resources, information, and support for affected areas. The NRCC ensures a unified and efficient federal response to major disasters and emergencies.

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is what, exactly?

Answer: Teams of doctors and nurses who provide medical assistance in disasters

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a federally coordinated system that augments state and local medical response capabilities during disasters or public health emergencies. It comprises medical response teams, such as Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs), made up of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These teams deploy to affected areas to provide medical care, patient evacuation, and definitive care.

Who does FEMA work with in order to provide low-interest loans to victims of disasters?

Answer: Small Business Administration

After a presidential disaster declaration, FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance. While FEMA offers grants for immediate needs, the SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private non-profit organizations to repair or replace damaged property not covered by insurance. This collaboration ensures comprehensive financial support for disaster victims.

What led to the harsh criticism of FEMA's reaction to Hurricane Katrina?

Answer: Failure to anticipate the magnitude of the disaster

FEMA faced severe criticism for its response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, primarily due to its perceived failure to adequately anticipate the catastrophic magnitude of the disaster. This lack of foresight led to insufficient planning, slow deployment of resources, and a delayed, ineffective response, particularly in New Orleans. The agency was seen as unprepared for the unprecedented challenges presented by the storm and its aftermath.

What conclusions did the bipartisan committee looking into the Katrina response reach?

Answer: Inadequate numbers of personnel trained for disaster relief

The bipartisan committee investigating the Hurricane Katrina response concluded that there were inadequate numbers of personnel trained for disaster relief. The report highlighted that the federal government, including FEMA, lacked sufficient staff with the necessary skills and experience to manage a disaster of Katrina's magnitude. This shortage contributed significantly to the slow and disorganized response efforts.

What issue did FEMA encounter while responding to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico?

Answer: Woefully slow arrival of food and supplies

FEMA's response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 was heavily criticized for the woefully slow arrival and distribution of essential food, water, and supplies. The island's severely damaged infrastructure presented significant logistical challenges, but the agency was perceived as too slow to adapt and overcome these obstacles. This delay exacerbated the suffering of residents and highlighted critical coordination issues.

Who is in charge of the effort to improve national preparedness?

Answer: FEMA

FEMA, as the lead federal agency for emergency management, is explicitly in charge of the effort to improve national preparedness. This includes developing national preparedness goals, conducting exercises, providing training, and distributing grants to state and local governments. Its role is central to ensuring the nation is ready to respond to and recover from all types of hazards.