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Disaster Response

Page history last edited by Afnan Rashid 9 years, 11 months ago

Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to additional information on this topic that is focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

 

 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

  • To facilitate, identify and priortitze a sustainable, coordinated effort for the prepardeness, response and recovery from natural disasters through a multi-organizational headquarters. This headquarters would act as a base for all major disaster response efforts in the state of Kansas in the event of a statewide emergency.
  • Additionally, an improved initial disaster evaluation process is needed, along with a coordinated communication system between already existing relief agencies.
  • In order to make sure that enough emergency response personnel (and not too many) are present, all

         requests for aid could come from one organization which would coordinate efforts and evaluate the 
         need.

 

Policy Options / Model Programs   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 


The synopsis below refers to policies outlined from the following sources:

 

This policy is similar to policies already implemented but we would like to amend policy so that it is simple and overarching all disaster and management and relief organizations so that rules and regulations are available and easy to follow in the event of a disaster. With this in mind, we feel that the problem with current policy is that it is simply too different between various organizations and through our research we have found that many resources are either lacking or overabundant.

 

An improved initial disaster evaluation process is needed, along with a coordinated communication system between already existing relief agencies. In order to make sure that enough emergency response personnel (and not too many) are present, all requests for aid could come from one organization which would coordinate efforts and evaluate the need.

 

We believe that this policy could be implemented through FEMA through a local, state and national level. This would be practical because FEMA is already in place. This policy could be evaluated through individual agencies and organizations and then FEMA could be the overseer.

 

FEMA's Response and Recovery[1]

 

  • A Major Disaster could result from a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado or major fire which the President determines warrants supplemental federal aid. The event must be clearly more than state or local governments can handle alone. If declared, funding comes from the President's Disaster Relief Fund, which is managed by FEMA, and disaster aid programs of other participating federal agencies.
  • A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help disaster victims, businesses and public entities.
  • An Emergency Declaration is more limited in scope and without the long-term federal recovery programs of a Major Disaster Declaration. Generally, federal assistance and funding are provided to meet a specific emergency need or to help prevent a major disaster from occurring.

 

The Major Disaster Process 

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

 

  • Local Government Responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance; This assistance is logged in a national database.
  • The State Responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;
  • Damage Assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determines losses and recovery needs; These needs are logged in national database through FEMA and this information is distributed to all agencies involved to regulate how much assistance is given from each agency.
  • A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, and an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;
  • FEMA Evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state's ability to recover;
  • The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

 

 

 

Local/State/National Information    additional information on this topic at the local, state, national, global level


 

 

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 


 

 

Bibliography    


Footnotes

  1. Federal Emergency Management Agency- http://www.fema.gov/about/history.shtm

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