FEMA Plays Its Role In Determined Promise 2003 Exercise
Release Date: August 15, 2003
Release Number: R9-03-57
» 2003 Region IX News Releases
Oakland, CA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a part of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will play its role in the two-week, bio-terrorism portion of the Determined Promise 2003 (DP '03) exercise conducted from August 18 to August 29 at various locations. Determined Promise is an annual exercise conducted by U.S. Northern Command and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Since joining the new Cabinet department on March 1, 2003, FEMA has retained its name and its mission, although its mission has expanded. "FEMA … will become the nation's all-hazard incident manager. So whether it's a naturally occurring event or a terrorist event, FEMA will be the incident manager at the scene, providing funding and command and control support in a disaster, " said U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on March 3, 2003.
"We see DP '03 as an opportunity to exercise our expanded role in Homeland Security," said FEMA Region IX Director Jeff Griffin. "By collaborating on a simulated disaster for preparedness, we can hone our ability to coordinate federal assets, improve our response capabilities and strengthen our relationships - regardless of the type of incident."
The main focus of DP '03 is on a simulated bio-terrorism event in Clark County, Nevada. The two-week scenario begins with undiagnosed cases of flu-like symptoms in Las Vegas that rapidly escalate into a simulated outbreak of pneumonic plague. Soon determined to be a terrorist attack, the disaster response involves first the county depleting its resources, then requesting state support, and finally the state requesting federal assistance.
"It's a way to leverage Department of Defense training funds to enhance the ability of FEMA to conduct operations in a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives scenario," said Griffin.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 18-Aug-2003 08:27:44