FEMA: Better Prepared for 2008 and Continuing To Move Forward
By FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Release Number: FNF-08-043
When I was asked to lead FEMA my mission was clear: rebuild and strengthen FEMA's ability to plan, prepare and respond to disasters in the post 9-11/Hurricane Katrina environment. The new leadership at FEMA brought in experts to conduct assessments and incorporated the lessons learned into a new vision for the agency. The President, Secretary Chertoff and the Congress supported this effort and provided resources and other tools to make these improvements. This is not the FEMA of two years ago, as our response to recent disasters has demonstrated. When disaster strikes, FEMA moves early and often. As we move forward, we have a plan that lays out steps to continue this transformation.
First, we have strengthened our national abilities. This is an intentional approach to integrate efforts of all partners, public and private, in a holistic approach that will strengthen the national emergency management system and improve the Nation's ability to address disasters, emergencies, and terrorist events. This year, FEMA has teams standing by to be on the ground within hours of a storm or other disaster striking. FEMA has worked with vulnerable states to identify where they will most need support - one size does not fit all and our response will be tailored to their needs. We have improved our logistics and can better get the supplies and resources to a disaster site more quickly than in the past. Earlier this year we released the new National Response Framework that will help FEMA coordinate our activities with our partners at every level of government as well as with the private sector. Simply put: we are all better prepared.
Second, FEMA has improved our ability to deliver assistance. FEMA is focused on providing assistance, both before and after events, in an easily accessible and coordinated manner through simple and effective delivery mechanisms, while also minimizing possible waste, fraud and abuse. We have expanded our capability to register those in need for aid and have mobile registration centers that can be on hand to help those without access to phones or computers.
One example of our preparations to help those in need is our joint venture with the Aidmatrix Foundation to create a national donation management program. This Web-based system is setting the groundwork for an integrated and coordinated approach to donations management by connecting leading for-profit, nonprofit, voluntary, and other private sector organizations at the local, state and national levels.
FEMA continues to work with federal, state, and voluntary partners to build a robust system for evacuation, sheltering and housing, including our collaboration with the American Red Cross to implement the National Shelter System. We've established a National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System and a National Emergency Child Locator Center to help those displaced find their loved ones. We have a new policy to help those with pets. We are strengthening our ties and relationships with the faith-based organizations that are often on the ground soon after a disaster, offering aid and assistance.
FEMA is reaching out in new ways to promote personal preparedness. One example: our Citizen Corps Councils provide a ready means to foster participation by community and government leaders, and a way to inform, train, and engage citizens in community preparedness that can support our first responders in an emergency.
Nationwide, FEMA is doing everything we can to educate individuals on the need to prepare at home. Everyone should make a kit and have a plan for any type of disaster. The Ready.gov site has information for everyone on how to be better prepared.
Continuing with the third element of our reforms, FEMA has set up a system to provide timely and accurate information, whether it relates to programs or situational awareness for an event. Knowledge is power and we will strive to keep communities and our partners aware of our activities and to coordinate our actions with them every step of the way.
And finally, we have worked to strengthen FEMA as an organization by investing in our people, developing a capable and motivated workforce who will ensure mission success, and building a culture that rewards performance through personal stewardship, innovation, and accountability.
Government - even with the federal, tribal, state and local governments working perfectly in sync - is not the entire answer. All Americans need to be part of the emergency management process. Americans must understand and take responsibility for their role in disasters. We must continue to develop a culture of preparedness in America, in which every American takes personal responsibility for his or her own emergency preparedness. FEMA will be a partner with all of you as we move forward. We ask you to join us as we all prepare for the future and to help those in need.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-May-2008 14:15:37