...FEMA and Federalism Deanne Norgaard POL 120 - American National Government May 26, 2014 Season Hoard FEMA and Federalism The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a federal program designed to respond to natural emergencies and disasters all over our country. Its initial catalyst is a governor’s declaration of a disaster area. So when recent tornadoes touched down and cut a path of destruction through Illinois, particularly in the towns of Washington and Gifford, the governor made his declaration and FEMA was expected to spring into action. Upon examination however, FEMA ruled that despite seven fatalities and millions of dollars of damage, the area did not qualify for assistance. Both the Illinois governor and U.S. Senators were stunned and the state was left to respond to the emergency themselves. What is this federal policy and is it better than just having each state respond to its own issues? The qualifications to receive FEMA assistance are determined by the following: the amount and type of damage (major damage and number of homes destroyed); impact on the infrastructure of affected areas or critical facilities; imminent threats to public health and safety; impacts to essential government services and functions; unique capability of Federal government; dispersion or concentration of damage; level of insurance coverage in place for homeowners and public facilities; available assistance from other (Federal, state, local, voluntary organizations); and...
Words: 1120 - Pages: 5
...total cost of Hurricane Katrina at $81.2 billion or more. It was true that Katrina was a natural disaster; therefore, it was unpredictable and unavoidable. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saw its approach to Katrina as a success story. However, many of the criticisms were directed toward the ill-prepared FEMA and the lack of coordination in the rescue operation, in which FEMA refuse volunteers¡¦ help including manpower and food. Some even suggested the abolishment of FEMA for good. The point at issue here is whether FEMA is effective in doing what it is suppose to do. We would identify the strength FEMA possesses, as well as the weaknesses the agency contained. Recommendations would be made in the end by using organizational behavior tools. What is FEMA? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established as an independent agency by presidential executive order on March 31, 1979. However, after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, FEMA became a part of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 1, 2003. Basically, FEMA integrates the emergency-related programs of Nations and is the central agency within the Federal Government for emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. FEMA works closely with State and local governments so that FEMA has the capability to offer money for emergency programs, technical guidance and training and also sets the resources of Federal in time when disaster takes place. Thereby, these coordinated...
Words: 4926 - Pages: 20
...Seraphim Major Susan Washburn College Writing 04 December 2014 FEMA August 25, 2005 Hurricane Katrina tore through the coast lands. Taking people’s homes and everything they owned. Lives taken and people lost unable to be found within the debris. The inefficient performance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina resulted from the failure of the administration of President Bush to respond (Outman). They should have done more. Hurricane Katrina, and the subsequent flooding that devastated New Orleans in August 2005, has posed the greatest challenge and evoked some of the harshest criticism the agency has ever faced. Due to Michael Brown’s lack of experience, Chertoff’s lack of responsibility, and President Bush’s response FEMA; hundreds of lives were lost. Alex Rich states, “FEMA was created by President Carter in 1979, elevated to Cabinet level in 1993, and incorporated into the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, FEMA is charged with guiding the federal response to the nation's disasters both natural and man-made.” The agency manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration as well as helps prepare state and local emergency managers by providing first responder and emergency preparedness training. The Department of Homeland Security channels funding to federal operations and provides grants to state and local agencies. FEMA defers to state and local emergency teams to handle disasters at their...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...biological agent which has spread in the water supply of several towns. Technology has changed the way a community in a disaserous situation communicates after the Three Mile Island and Hurricane Katrina. Comparing the way an Emergency Management Office communicates with the public and the groups involved, the advantages and challenges that come with the past and present communication technology, and the media opportunities used in today’s world. Individuals and Groups With a life-threatening situation there are many individuals and groups internally and externally that need to be notified of the situation. Within the office the entire staff needs to be aware of the seriousness of the situation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Center for Disease Control Center (CDC) are a few federal agencies that need to be aware of the situation. The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) was directed by Congress to develop the first National Emergency Communications Plans (NECP) in early 2000 (Security, 2008). Within the NECP there are partnerships that also need to be notified of the situation, some of them are, the SAFECOM Executive Committee (EC) and Emergency Response Council (ERC), the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center (ECPC), and the Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications (FPIC). Local hospitals need...
Words: 1574 - Pages: 7
...`Form 1 DECLARATION –cum-UNDERTAKING (Under Section 10(5), Chapter III of The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999) I/We hereby declare that the transaction the details of which are specifically mentioned in the Schedule hereunder does not involve, and to the best of our knowledge and belief is not designed/intended or will result in any contravention or evasion of the provisions of the aforesaid Act or of any rule, regulation, notification, direction or order made thereunder. I/We also hereby agree and undertake to give such information/documents as will reasonably satisfy you about this transaction in terms of the above declaration. I/We also understand that if I/We refuse to comply with any such requirement or make only unsatisfactory compliance therewith, the Bank shall refuse in writing to undertake the transaction and shall if it has reason to believe that any contravention/evasion is contemplated by me/us report the matter to Reserve Bank of India. *I/We further declare that the undersigned has/have the authority to give this declaration and undertaking on behalf of the firm/company. ________________________ Signature of the Applicant for Foreign Exchange. Place: Date : *Applicable when the declaration/undertaking is signed on behalf of the firm/company. ____________________________________________________________________ SCHEDULE All foreign exchange transactions as may be entrusted by us to the Bank...
Words: 381 - Pages: 2
...Correct. Review the feedback below. When you are ready to proceed, click on the Next button. Review the summary below of "What NIMS is" and "What NIMS is NOT." What NIMS is: | What NIMS is NOT: | * A comprehensive, nationwide, systematic approach to incident management, including the Incident Command System, Multiagency Coordination Systems, and Public Information * A set of preparedness concepts and principles for all hazards * Essential principles for a common operating picture and interoperability of communications and information management * Standardized resource management procedures that enable coordination among different jurisdictions or organizations * Scalable so it may be used for all incidents (from day-to-day to large-scale) * A dynamic system that promotes ongoing management and maintenance | * A response plan * Only used during large-scale incidents * A communications plan * Only applicable to certain emergency management/incident response personnel * Only the Incident Command System or an organization chart * A static system | Correct. Review the feedback below. When you are ready to proceed, click on the Next button. Review the correct answers below: CONSISTENT WITH NIMS: A jurisdiction is inventorying and categorizing resources (e.g, personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities) to establish and verify levels of capability prior to an incident. Explanation: Inventorying and categorizing of resources is a critical...
Words: 6379 - Pages: 26
...Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation. Furthermore, whenever we discuss disaster, the first thought that comes to mind is “Hurricane Katrina” because of the blatant misguided approach and lack of timely and effective response during this disaster recovery. But if I were to guess the major reason for such disastrous approach is because the government was focusing on a short-term relief while disregarding the long-term recovery process. Based on the readings and research, it would appear that historically this has been the situation for many other cases. When we are looking at “Long-Term Recovery”, it involves more than just removing and cleaning up wreckage, which many consider to be short-term recovery solutions. According to FEMA, long-term recovery refers to the "need to re-establish a healthy, functioning community that will sustain itself over time....
Words: 2822 - Pages: 12
...Act (FEMA), which was passed in the winter sessionof Parliament in 1999. Enacted in 1973, in the backdrop of acute shortage of Foreign Exchange in thecountry, FERA had a controversial 27 year stint during which many bosses of the Indian Corporate worldfound themselves at the mercy of the Enforcement Directorate (E.D.). Any offense under FERA was acriminal offense liable to imprisonment, whereas FEMA seeks to make offenses relating to foreignexchange civil offenses.FEMA, which has replaced FERA, had become the need of the hour since FERA had becomeincompatible with the pro-liberalisation policies of the Government of India. FEMA has brought a newmanagement regime of Foreign Exchange consistent with the emerging frame work of the World Trade Organisation(WTO). It is another matter that enactment of FEMA also brought with itPrevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 which came into effect recently from 1 July, 2005 and the heat of which isyet to be felt as “Enforcement Directorate” would be invesitigating the cases under PMLA too.Unlike other laws where everything is permitted unless specifically prohibited, under FERA nothing was permitted unless specifically permitted . Hence the tenor and tone of the Act was very drastic. It providedfor imprisonment of even a very minor offence. Under FERA, a person was presumed guilty unless he proved himself innocent whereas under other laws, a person is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty . • Objectives and Extent of FEMA The...
Words: 2003 - Pages: 9
...[pic][pic] Fundamentals of Emergency Management Independent Study 230.a January 14, 2010 FEMA COURSE OVERVIEW Unit 1: Course Introduction Introduction How to Complete This Course Unit 1 Objectives Course Objectives Case Study: Tornado in Barneveld, Wisconsin Your Place in the Emergency Management System Case Study: Hazardous Chemical Release Activity: Where Do I Fit? Unit 2: Overview of the Principles of Emergency Management and the Integrated Emergency Management System Introduction and Unit Overview FEMA Mission and Purpose Response Authorities History Principles of Emergency Management Recent Changes to Emergency Planning Requirements Why an Integrated Emergency Management System? Emergency Management Concepts and Terms Partners in the Coordination Network Activity: Partners in the Coordination Network Emergency Management in Local Government Activity: Where Is Emergency Management in My Community? Unit 3: Incident Management Actions Introduction and Unit Overview Introduction to the Spectrum of Incident Management Actions Prevention Preparedness Response Activity: Response Operations Recovery Mitigation Unit 4: Roles of Key Participants Introduction and Unit Overview The Role of the Local Emergency Program Manager State Emergency Management Role How the Private Sector and Voluntary Organizations Assist Emergency Managers Federal Emergency Management Role The National Response Framework Activity:...
Words: 35531 - Pages: 143
...CaseCase Study on FEMA RBI slapped Rs.125 crore on Reliance Infrastructure: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group firm, Reliance Infrastructure (earlier, Reliance Energy), to pay just under Rs 125 crore as compounding fees for parking its foreign loan proceeds worth $300 million with its mutual fund in India for 315 days, and then repatriating the money abroad to a joint venture company. These actions, according to an RBI order, violated various provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). In its order, RBI said Reliance Energy raised a $360-million ECB on July 25, 2006, for investment in infrastructure projects in India. The ECB proceeds were drawn down on November 15, 2006, and temporarily parked overseas in liquid assets. On April 26, 2007, Reliance Energy repatriated the ECB proceeds worth $300 million to India while the balance remained abroad in liquid assets. It then invested these funds in Reliance Mutual Fund Growth Option and Reliance Floating Rate Fund Growth Option on April 26, 2007. On the following day, i.e., on April 27 2007, the entire money was withdrawn and invested in Reliance Fixed Horizon Fund III Annual Plan series V. On March 5, 2008, Reliance Energy repatriated $500 million (which included the ECB proceeds repatriated on April 26, 2007, and invested in capital market instruments) for investment in capital of an overseas joint venture called Gourock Ventures based in British Virgin Islands. RBI...
Words: 830 - Pages: 4
...The IHI offers an interactive tool that allows the creation of a FEMA based on the original process and a FEMA based on the new process. As means of measurement, For the sedition patient, a check list could be established. Charting the time monitors were placed and removed from the patient. Listing the vital signs, levels of consciousness, sensation of nausea or vomiting in short intervals of time. The check list should include a key as to what criteria is need for discharge. As this can be a life or death situation a 100% compliance would be the goal. Someone either from the interdisciplinary team, or some assigned by the team should review every check list ensuring protocol was followed. There would be staff training in the new process. The testing phase should continue over a 6-month time. Giving the opportunity to track progress...
Words: 637 - Pages: 3
...Strategic Plan Risk Management FEMA Strategic Plan Risk Management FEMA’s Strategic Plan FY2011 - FY2014 states their mission is, “to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” (FEMA Strategic Plan, February 2011 p.1) FEMA’s strategic goals are the following: (FEMA Strategic Plan, February 2011 p. 7) 1) Foster a Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management Nationally 2) Build the Nation’s Capacity To Stabilize and Recover From a Catastrophic Event 3) Build Unity of Effort and Common Strategic Understanding among the Emergency Management Team 4) Enhance FEMA’s Ability to Learn and Innovate as an Organization The risks of FEMA’s strategic plan include, but are not limited to,” climate change; the age of critical infrastructure; evolving terrorist threats; global interdependencies; government budgets; technical innovation and dependency; universal access to and use of information; and U.S. demographic shifts.” (FEMA Strategic Plan, February 2011 p. 4) These risks are inherent and are not within FEMA’s control. FEMA must focus on risks that are under their control. Eliminating ‘controllable’ risks can minimize the effects of these inherent risks, and ensure successful execution of their strategic plan. A controllable risk affecting the success of FEMA’s strategic plan is the support and commitment of the entire FEMA organization. The attainment...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...Disaster management requires a partnership among federal, state and local levels of government and the private sector, including business, voluntary organizations and the public (http://www.training.fema.gov). The federal government is responsible for assisting states by reviewing emergency plans, providing guidance, making plans and assessing their capability to provide protection from large-scale, nationwide disasters, according to FEMA. State and local governments also develop emergency management plans and continually assess them to ensure effective prevention, intervention and protection from disasters and other...
Words: 1017 - Pages: 5
...FEMA and Government’s Response to Super storm Sandy FEMA and Government’s Response to Super Storm Sandy The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003 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” (FEMA.gov). When it comes to disaster response and recovery, it’s acts as part of a team. “The team includes federal partners, state, tribal and local officials, the private sector, non-profits and faith-based groups and the general public. All these organizations and agencies are involved in the response and recovery process that bring their resources to bear, in terms of financial resources, manpower and other support” (FEMA.gov). In preparation of Hurricane Sandy, FEMA officials worked closely with members of the Cabinet, including Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Energy, and Secretary of Health and Human Services in addition to governors and mayors from affected states, and many others to ensure states and local communities have the resources they need to recover from this storm. From a federal standpoint, several steps were taken to prepare for Hurricane sandy. It takes the coordination of many agencies within the federal system as well as state and...
Words: 3756 - Pages: 16
...released to the public, but told with conflicting viewpoints. The most common conflict brought up again and again is between FEMA and the relief victims. Relief victims and FEMA argue over humanitarian aid issues such as evacuation, supplies, and housing. Evacuation was the most important humanitarian effort that FEMA could provide. Getting residents out of the disaster area was the primary goal of FEMA. Evacuation by bus was the initial form of evacuation. The bus evacuation plan that FEMA provided allowed the whole city to evacuate in a reasonable amount of time. Then evacuation by plane was added as another way for FEMA to get relief victims out of the city in large numbers. The plane evacuation was very efficient once it got under way. The conditions at the airport allowed only outbound aircraft. The last form of humanitarian aid shown through evacuation was the creation of emergency shelters. FEMA, in conjunction with surrounding states, had set up shelters where the evacuees could go. Then states further away volunteered to house evacuees. The shelters provided a place for evacuees to stay after the hurricane and provided time for them to look for more permanent housing. FEMA provided basic humanitarian aid by evacuating Katrina survivors. Supplies were a form of humanitarian aid that FEMA provided. The most basic of these supplies was water. When FEMA brought in water it was the most needed and cherished item. The relief victims showed gratitude toward the people who brought...
Words: 969 - Pages: 4
