Beginning this summer, the field of emergency management will have a national symbol.
The stylized letters "EM" will be used by state and local emergency managers as an icon in a new campaign to help make people more aware of what emergency management does to protect lives and property.
Emergency management in the United States today is at a crossroads. After decades of existence to protect citizens against the threat of nuclear attack, it began to shift its focus to natural disasters.
Do you know anything about emergency management in your area?
You should. Your life and property depend on it.
While the communities of the Gulf Coast region are still reeling from the affects of Hurricane Katrina, and the very real threat of terrorism on American soil continues, the President's budget proposes to cut federal funding for state emergency response efforts. It couldn't have come at a worse time.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's viscous attack on the Gulf coast last year, the fight began over who was responsible for shortfalls in emergency response. Was it FEMA, state or local emergency officials, the governors of Louisiana or Alabama, the Mayor of New Orleans or the President of the United States that should share blame or credit? Was enough money spent in preparation, and in recovery?
The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) fully recognizes and appreciates the tremendous contributions made by the men and women in our armed forces during disaster relief operations. Large-scale disasters such as Hurricane's Andrew and Katrina quickly overwhelmed local and state first responders, and military assistance became essential in these rescue operations.
However, it is very important to realize that NEMA supports the use of the military in relief operations only when requested by civilian authorities - through each state's National Guard and the Governor's office they serve. This is a key distinction which must be understood in relation to ongoing discussions about the role of the military in disaster response.
While the communities of the Gulf Coast region are still reeling from the affects of Hurricane Katrina, and the very real threat of terrorism on American soil continues, the President's budget proposes to cut federal funding for state emergency response efforts. It couldn't have come at a worse time.
The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) fully recognizes and appreciates the tremendous contributions made by the men and women in our armed forces during disaster relief operations. Large-scale disasters such as Hurricane's Andrew and Katrina quickly overwhelmed local and state first responders, and military assistance became essential in these rescue operations.