FEMA 'Local Hires' Important To Disaster Recovery 

Release Date: December 20, 2008
Release Number: 1791-346

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas -- Local hires from dozens of Texas communities are a part of the huge workforce the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assembled for the recovery operations following Hurricane Ike. Additionally, there are more than 350 regional firms that have been contracted to provide a variety of services.

Hiring a portion of the recovery team locally provides community-based skills and insights and gives an added boost to the area's economy as well. FEMA is employing more than 100 locally-hired workers in a variety of positions.

"The number of local hires we recruit and the number of regional firms we contract with varies depending on the disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. De Blasio Sr. "These professionals provide invaluable help for the recovery. They supplement the permanent FEMA staff and a cadre of Disaster Assistance Employee reservists from around the country who comprise the core of our staff."

Local hire positions range from office assistants to planning coordinators, couriers to writing specialists, and data processors to computer technicians. They receive introductory disaster response training and become an integral part of the recovery effort.

Many of the local hires are employed in FEMA's Individual Assistance unit or in Community Relations.  Both groups have direct contact with those affected by Ike, either through telephone contacts to assist with registration and eligibility, or in the field to answer questions and make referrals to services.  Several of those assisting the recovery effort are bilingual.

A variety of services are provided by independent contractors. These firms include heavy-equipment operators who are creating community sites and pads for mobile homes; carpenters, electricians and plumbers who are providing the electrical, sewer and water hookups; and numerous others who offer their special skills to aid the recovery.
 
FEMA also maintains offices in Austin, Beaumont, Galveston and Houston, as well as 13 temporary Disaster Recovery Centers still open in the affected areas.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Monday, 22-Dec-2008 10:26:09