SwiftVets.com

[PhantomSgt]

Below are some excerpts from the FEMA Strategic Plan for FY 03 to 08:

A Nation Prepared

To achieve its vision, FEMA will work to prepare the Nation for disasters by encouraging individuals, governmental entities, and public and private groups at all levels to become informed of the risks they face, to make decisions that help keep people, property, and institutions out of harm’s way, and to possess the capability and knowledge needed to act when disasters occur.

Themes in the Plan

Leadership

FEMA’s ability to fulfill its mission is widely recognized, and the Agency is particularly respected for its leadership in dealing with natural disasters. Since September 11, however, the Nation’s attention has shifted from natural hazards to include its capability to respond to future terrorist attacks. Under Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) 39, and PDD-62, which establish Federal policy on counter-terrorism, FEMA is the lead agency for "consequence management." This means FEMA is responsible for leading the National effort to protect public health and safety, restore essential government services, and provide emergency relief to those affected by acts of terrorism. FEMA is specifically responsible for ensuring the Nation can respond effectively to the use of weapons of mass destruction, involving nuclear, biological, chemical or explosive material on US soil. FEMA is working closely with the Office of Homeland Security to make the most of FEMA’s experience, expertise, and leadership and applying it to preparing the Nation to address the consequences of terrorism and implement the President's National Strategy for Homeland Security. In doing so, FEMA will remain focused on its mission as it takes its place within the President’s proposed Department of Homeland Security.

Though attention has shifted from natural hazards to terrorism, FEMA’s basic mission and the Agency’s approach to carrying it out have not changed. The Agency remains committed to an all-hazard approach to emergency management. The all-hazard philosophy recognizes that the same comprehensive framework of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery can be used to address the impacts of all types of disasters. This all-hazard approach provides a consistent logic for emergency management activities and promotes efficient use of scarce resources.

Partnership

In accordance with FEMA’s primary authorizing legislation, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, FEMA is first and foremost a coordinating agency. The Agency therefore relies on strong partnerships to successfully carry out its mission. FEMA works with a variety of partners, including Federal agencies, States, Territories, Tribal Nations, local governments, first responders, voluntary organizations, business, industry, and individuals. While the Agency’s mission is squarely focused on protecting and preparing the Nation as a whole, primary responsibility for disaster response rests with State and local authorities. This means FEMA does not respond to all disasters that occur in the United States. Instead, when State and local capacity to respond is threatened or overwhelmed, a Governor may ask the President for Federal assistance.

A Presidential disaster declaration directs FEMA to provide and coordinate a variety of assistance and support. FEMA’s primary mechanism for doing this is the Federal Response Plan. It provides a process and structure for the systematic, coordinated, and effective delivery of Federal assistance to address any major disaster, regardless of type or cause. Through the Federal Response Plan, FEMA marshals the resources and expertise of its many partners, including Federal agencies and numerous voluntary organizations, and coordinates the overall effort with the States and communities affected by the disaster.

After disaster strikes, FEMA works with States, Territories, and Tribes to help minimize suffering and disruption by helping individuals and communities get back on their feet. FEMA will work to provide timely, fair, and appropriate disaster assistance, and to ensure prompt and accurate payment of flood claim payments, through continual review of the effectiveness of the Agency's programs. As part of ensuring the effective provision of these services, FEMA will establish and meet performance standards appropriate to each program or activity on an annual basis.

Oh well if you would like to read the whole plan go to:

http://www.fema.gov/library/strategicplanfy03.shtm

I think they still have three years to reach their goals.


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Retired AF E-8

Independent that leans right of center.

[dusty]

Good post Sarge. It's making the rounds in my address book. Can't throw enough stuff at the koolaide drinkers but I throw everything I can.

Dusty
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Left and Wrong are the opposite of Right!

[PhantomSgt]

There is talk around the beltway about legislating a Federal takeover of disaster areas and I can hear the States Rights voices loudly protesting this.

Unfortunately there are no schools to develop Good Governance and leadership skills for Mayors or Governors before they take office. Your kind of stuck with whatever you elect.

The Governors of Mississippi and Alabama have served their states well during this emergency and all we can say is "two out of three ain't bad".


_________________
Retired AF E-8

Independent that leans right of center.