"Local Hires" Important to Disaster Recovery
Release Date: August 29, 2006
Release Number: 1650-067
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Federal agencies helping New Yorkers recover from the late June flooding have assembled a workforce that includes 36 workers hired from local communities. In addition to these "local hires," the recovery effort includes eight regional firms that have agreed to provide a variety of contracting services.
Hiring a portion - in this case, more than 10 percent of the recovery team locally provides community-based skills and insights and gives an added boost to the area's economy as well.
"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 Marianne C. Jackson. "But they provide invaluable help for the recovery. They supplement the permanent FEMA staff and a cadre of Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE) reservists who comprise the core of our staff."
The positions filled by local hires range from office assistants to planning coordinators, from couriers to writing specialists, and from data processors to computer technicians. They receive introductory disaster response training and become an integral part of the recovery effort.
The contracting firms provide services required for safe and efficient installation of travel trailers being used by homeowners while they repair their flood-damaged homes. These include electrical, sewer and water hookups as well as carpentry and trailer maintenance.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Aug-2006 13:26:37