Question

Explain the various responsibilities and services of FEMA when a disaster occurs in the United States. Do some research on past disasters, and describe how FEMA supported the community and disaster efforts. Address 2-3 of the following.

• How did FEMA help people prepare for the disaster?

• What services did FEMA provide to the community?

• Who else participated in the disaster relief efforts?

• How much monetary damage was caused by the disaster? Or, how much did FEMA spend in relief?

• What was public perception of FEMA and the response they provided?

Answer 1

Responsibilities of FEMA during a disaster

A disaster is a natural or man-made unexpected catastrophe of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction , loss of life or sometimes permanent change to the natural environment . FEMA , Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a government agency that plays a critical role in meeting the needs of the victims of the disaster , supports local disaster management operations and ultimately helping the people before, during and after the disaster.  

The main responsibilities of FEMA :

* Preparing people to meet the disaster:

FEMA is established in April 1 st , 1979 by President Jimmy Carter , with a vision of ' lead America to prepare for ' . The Agency is doing major roles in preparing the people for a disaster , but it was not upto the mark during the time of ' The Hurricane Katrina '. After the enactment of the law ' Post Katrina Emergency reform Act ' by the President George W Bush in 2006, FEMA got empowered with more authority and increased acess to resources.  

When a disaster is declared by the State authority ( Governor ) or the Federal Government, FEMA take in - charge of the preparation phase of the disaster in terms of physical and financial control . It act as liason between the afflicted region and the Federal Government. It executes the strategic plan to work out. During the Hurricane Harvey , prior to the day FEMA given the instructions for the people, local evacuation warnings, prepared temporary roofs for evacuated people, ensured their food supplies etc.

Services FEMA did to the community:

Not only Hurricanes, FEMA involved, but in number of disasters like wild fire , cyclones or tornados, terror attacks, civil defence etc. Through the 10 regional FEMA offices through out the country, it offers services to nearly 50 states in the country. Services to the society includes the preparation of people to face the disaster, local evacuation from the risk regions, setting up of temporary camps for victims, ensuring food supplies and other needed things for the different population groups, appropriate wind mitigation for home. etc.

Disaster relief services:

Usually many Governmental and non Governmental organisations participate the disaster relief programme alsong with FEMA.

During Hurricane Harvey , American Red cross society extended it on going support services to individuals , families and communities affected with the disaster. Direct relief, Heart to heart International, The multiple Myeloma research foundation etc provided medical services and supplies to the affected people in the  community. Many commercial organisation and private firms donated huge amount of money for the disaster relief programmes.  

Monetary damage and FEMA spending:

Hurricane Harvey, resulted in massive flooding  in Houston and surrounding country , caused a damage of $ 125 million . The storm was so destructive that caused an expensive damage. Fema has spent 1.5 billion for providing the assistance for the victims of Hurricane Harvey . The Agency provided Medical supplies, food and shelter to the disaster victims .

Public Perception:

Public perception of FEMA , as a Federal agency for preparedness and assistance during disaster was negative, when comparing with local government agencies. During many disasters , FEMA couldn't act well and it was not prepared enough, especially during Hurricane Katrina. But now due to the FEMA's actions and preparedness , it cut down the effects of many disaster occured recently , and it gained public acceptance in a better extent.