Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the principal federal programs relating to hurricane preparedness planning and the preparedness activities of a number of state and local governments.

GAO found that, although the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for administering federal emergency management programs, FEMA involvement in hurricane preparedness assistance has been minimal. FEMA awarded study grants to states with only limited coordination with other federal agencies involved in providing funds and technical assistance. Further, FEMA was funding preparedness studies with little or no assurance that these studies were feasible or could lead to workable preparedness plans. GAO noted that, only recently has FEMA become aware of these problems, and it has met with state and local officials to better coordinate ongoing studies. GAO concluded that, although FEMA has taken positive steps to improve program direction, the agency needs to take additional steps to better ensure that such results are achieved.