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The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. FEMA's purpose is to coordinate the response to a disaster which has occurred in the United States and which overwhelms the resources of local and municipal authorities. Generally, the governor of the state in which the disaster occurred must declare a state of emergency and formally request from the President of the United States that FEMA and the Federal Government respond to the disaster.
While on-the-ground, logistical support for disaster recovery is a major part of FEMA's charter, the agency is also responsible for the disbursement of government funds for rebuilding efforts and relief funds for individual citizens and businesses. FEMA also provides funds for training of response personnel throughout the United States and its territories as part of the agency's preparedness effort.
History
The federal emergency management has existed in one form or another for over 200 years. The history of FEMA can be divided into the following parts.
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President Bush Meets with President Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 President Bush on Friday said, "It is such an honor to welcome a man I've come to admire a lot to the Oval Office, President Kikwete of Tanzania. He comes representing a great country. He also comes representing the African Union. And therefore, we've had a wide-ranging discussion about our bilateral relations, as well as the President has kindly given me a briefing on how he sees the different situations and opportunities on the continent of Africa." Presidential Message, Labor Day 2008 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 I send greetings to all Americans celebrating Labor Day 2008. In America, all citizens have an opportunity to forge their own paths forward, and their success is limited only by the size of their dreams. From engineering to healthcare and from small businesses to education, the American people are the most industrious, enterprising, and productive in the world. These talented and innovative workers provide for their families and play a vital role in building a more prosperous future for our country. By trusting in the ingenuity and creativity of America's risk-takers and dreamers, our country will remain the most vibrant, hopeful, and dynamic around the globe. Presidential Message, Ramadan 2008 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 I send greetings to Muslims observing Ramadan in America and around the globe. President Bush Announces Presidential Delegation to the Paralympic Games Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 President George W. Bush announced today the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China on September 6, 2008. The Honorable James B. Peake, M.D., Secretary of Veterans Affairs, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential Delegation are: The Honorable Clark T. Randt, Jr., United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China; Mr. Kirk Bauer, Executive Director, Disabled Sports USA; Ms. Jean Driscoll, Paralympic Gold Medalist (Track); Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Gadson, United States Army; Mr. Kevin Szott, Paralympic Gold Medalist (Judo); Ms. Trischa Zorn, Paralympic Gold Medalist (Swimming). Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisiana Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Gustav beginning on August 27, 2008, and continuing. Statement by the Press Secretary Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 On Friday, August 29, 2008, the President signed into law: H.R. 6580, the "Hubbard Act," which clarifies existing law regarding benefits and compensation for servicemembers voluntarily leaving service under a sole-survivorship discharge.
FEMA: News Releases
President Declares Emergency Federal Aid For Texas Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal aid has been made available to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Gustav beginning on August 27, 2008, and continuing. Federal Support As States Act In Advance Of Gustav Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As states along the Gulf Coast begin voluntary evacuations and other activities in advance of Hurricane Gustav, which is expected to make landfall in the region over Labor Day Weekend, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the extensive support activities of numerous federal agencies in support of state actions. FEMA has also activated a planning team to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna and to initiate preliminary actions as it approaches the Southeastern coast. Federal Aid Programs for Louisiana Emergency Disaster Recovery Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's emergency disaster declaration issued for Louisiana. President Declares Emergency Federal Aid for Louisiana Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal aid has been made available to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Gustav beginning on August 27, 2008, and continuing. One Month Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 DES MOINES, Iowa -- The clock is ticking on eligibility for federal disaster assistance. September Is National Preparedness Month Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 SEATTLE, Wash. -- September is National Preparedness Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined with more than 2,700 national, regional, state and local agencies and organizations to encourage Americans to prepare their homes, businesses, schools and communities for disasters of all kinds. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, motivating individuals, businesses and communities across the country to plan and prepare for emergencies is the cornerstone of effective government response and recovery efforts.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Home page of the agency responsible for coordinating federal disaster preparedness and assistance. Includes extensive public information, such as storm watch, information for kids, updates to disaster news, training availability, and a photo library.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) - FEMA information to help establish and maintain an effective CERT program, and to network with local programs throughout the United States and its territories regarding CERT activities.
FEMA for Kids - Herman the hermit crab teaches kids how to be prepared for disasters and how they can prevent disaster damage. Kids can also learn what causes disasters, play games, read stories and become a Disaster Action Kid.
FEMA: Training Resources - Provides a nationwide training program of resident and non-resident courses to enhance U.S. emergency management practices.
Meta Description: [ Through our training courses and educational programs, the U.S. Fire Administration works to enhance the ability of fire and emergency services and allied professionals to deal more effectively with fire and related emergencies. We also serve as the focal point for the development and delivery o... ]
FEMA: Virtual Library - Large collection of reference materials, fact sheets and other publications, maps, photographs, and audio and video clips about the agency, preparing for emergencies, records of disasters and emergencies in the United States, and what to do when a disaster or emergency occurs.
500National Flood Insurance Program - Makes federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. National flood insurance is available in more than 19,000 communities across the United States and its territories.
Day of the Killer Tornadoes 15-minute VHS Produced by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) View complete video here ...