About FEMA
Response
Response begins as soon as a disaster is detected or threatens. It involves mobilizing and positioning emergency equipment; getting people out of danger; providing needed food, water, shelter and medical services; and bringing damaged services and systems back on line. Local responders, government agencies and private organizations take action. Sometimes the destruction goes beyond local and state capabilities. That's when federal help is needed as well.
FEMA employee inspects flood damage from a small boatWhen the state and local governments are overwhelmed by a disaster, they make a request for federal aid through a Presidential disaster or emergency declaration. Typically, federal assistance is financial. However, the federal government may be asked to mobilize resources from any number of federal agencies, and to participate in the response. This is when the government implements the Federal Response Plan.
Last Modified: Sunday, 01-Apr-2007 15:53:25 EDT