National Disaster Management Guidelines

National disasters can include any devastating occurrence (such as hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods and landslides) which affects a large region and population. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides assistance from the U.S. government in the event of such a disaster within the nation. To receive federal aid, certain procedures must be followed.

FEMA provides federal aid in the event of large-scale national disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.

Response Process

Initial response to a natural disaster must be made by the emergency services of the local government, along with help from nearby cities and volunteer groups. The state government may then be asked to send in the National Guard and other agencies. If the scope of the disaster has exceeded the ability of the state government to respond effectively, the governor can make a request for help to the federal government. FEMA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, evaluates the situation and makes a recommendation to the President of the United States. The governor is then informed of a denial or an approval. If approved, FEMA assists the state in the recovery phase by providing search and rescue services, power, water, food, shelter and other necessities.

Declarations

Even though a governor asks for and receives federal assistance, the state government must still spend a significant amount of its own funds on recovery efforts. If declared a major disaster by the President, funds are taken out of the President's Disaster Relief Fund (managed by FEMA), as well as other federal agencies. Recovery programs are set up by the federal and state governments to aid victims of the disaster in the long term. On the other hand, an emergency declaration provides limited federal assistance without the benefit of long-term federal recovery programs. These funds are sometimes used to prevent impending destruction from a major disaster.

Recovery

Once declared a major disaster, a central office is established to organize recovery efforts. Area residents and businesses affected by the tragedy are given a toll-free number to call in order to register for aid. Victims can visit recovery centers set up with representatives available to explain what federal or state aid is available to them and what measures they need to take.

Disaster Aid

There are three basic types of disaster aid under FEMA . Normally within 60 days of the major disaster declaration, victims can apply for individual assistance, which includes aid for housing, grants, low-interest loans, counseling and unemployment assistance. Any damage to property must be verified. If approved, audits are performed later on to make sure monies were spent for their specific purpose. Public assistance aids state and local governments in paying for such things as debris removal, protective measures and repairs to public property or schools. Hazard mitigation assistance aids victims in avoiding future disasters with funds for elevating or relocating out of a flood-prone area, strengthening buildings to better withstand strong winds or earthquakes, and enforcement of strict building codes.

Phases of Emergency Management

FEMA recognizes four phases of emergency management. All communities are in one of the established phases. Mitigation includes measures taken to prevent or subdue the effects of a disaster (tying homes down, buying insurance, building levees). Preparedness includes the establishment of education and training measures (planning evacuation routes, performing emergency drills, compiling a supply list). Response occurs after the disaster and maintains the safety of the public (search and rescue missions, disaster response teams). The recovery phase occurs while the affected area is getting back on its feet (reducing financial stress, rebuilding, taking measures to prevent the same devastating result from future disasters).

References

• FEMA Disaster Process
• Emergency Management in the U.S.