FEMA-DHS
Should FEMA remain a part of the DHS
The issue that will be addressed in this thesis is whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should remain a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). uried among the legislation passed in the aftermath of the September 1 lth terrorist attacks was a provision of H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which mandated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) be absorbed by the newly created Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is important to determine whether this adjustment to public policy, made in conjunction with an overall merger of 22 federal agencies under the auspices of the DHS, has had an impact on the way the government responds to natural disasters, terrorist assaults, and other emergency situations.
Rationale/Significance to the field of Public Policy:
FEMA existed as an independent agency from 1979 until the passage of H.R. 5005. In 1996…...
mlaBibliography To Date:
1. Baker-McNeil, J. (2008). Cabinet-level FEMA not needed. The heritage foundation web-memo #2153. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/wm2153.cfm
2. Cilluffo, F.J., Kaniewski, D.J., Lane, J.P., Lord, G.C., & Keith, L.P. (2009, January). Serving America's disaster victims: FEMA, where does it fit? George Washington university homeland security institute. Retrieved from http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/policy/IssueBrief_FEMA.pdf
3. FEMA: In or Out? (2009, February). Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General. OIG-09-25. Retrieved from http://www.oig.dhs.gov/assets/mgmt/OIG_09-25_Feb09.pdf
4. Naylor, B. (2009, February 2). Should FEMA remain part of homeland security?. National Public
Create a team that helps facilitate the design of the full-scale exercise program.
2. Coordination
Achieve realism via the recruitment of personnel and the development of specific sites.
Use fake victims to simulate the emergency
Coordinate technologies used in the rescue effort
Create and distribute communications related to the full-scale exercise.
Arrange for and distribute funding
Survey full-scale exercise locations
Back-up planning for needed funding or alternative locations
3. Execution
Apply available funds
Set date and execute
Backup personnel
4. Evaluation
Formal evaluation, involving quantitative surveys
Data analysis
Qualitative analysis, performed by qualified personnel
Observations and recordings
Cost analysis
Cost/benefits analysis
Summary reports and press releases
5. Future planning.
eferences
FEMA (2010). "Community Hazards Emergency esponse-Capability Assurance Process (CHE-CAP) Fact Sheet." etrieved online: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/cher_capfs.shtm
FEMA (2010). "The Full-Scale Exercise." Unit 7. etrieved online: http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:ipX8BxuFZzMJ:training.fema.gov/emiweb/downloads/is139Unit7.doc+fema+full+scale&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShjZyZU7B8OhFQrCgF_hD2EwytJP -- TDFNQFNfQ4vBFVV1q83jm4HriKO0AqkLSoaAk1K0S-nlnKnh6fBXuWoWQxeA71yfMoO4tT2ocfJyrNHapQu6LtglbCirPsOV2fnhzzAnC&sig=AHIEtbTJ4SgMzI9doGpa9nrIFX-jv4Bfew...
mlaReferences
FEMA (2010). "Community Hazards Emergency Response-Capability Assurance Process (CHER-CAP) Fact Sheet." Retrieved online: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/cher_capfs.shtm
FEMA (2010). "The Full-Scale Exercise." Unit 7. Retrieved online: -- TDFNQFNfQ4vBFVV1q83jm4HriKO0AqkLSoaAk1K0S-nlnKnh6fBXuWoWQxeA71yfMoO4tT2ocfJyrNHapQu6LtglbCirPsOV2fnhzzAnC&sig=AHIEtbTJ4SgMzI9doGpa9nrIFX-jv4Bfewhttp://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:ipX8BxuFZzMJ:training.fema.gov/emiweb/downloads/is139Unit7.doc+fema+full+scale&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShjZyZU7B8OhFQrCgF_hD2EwytJP
9).
The most effective decision-making style a leader can adopt, the one most likely to boost morale especially in stressful or highly charged work environments is sometimes an autocratic style, where the leader maintains control and ownership over all decisions made so that outcomes within an emergent environment are more likely to be predictable (Olmstead, 2002). In cases like this a leader must demonstrate strength, charisma and act in the best interests of all parties involved when problem-solving. Outside of this context, in an ordinary environment when decision-making and problem-solving are important, a leader may also benefit by adopting a more collective leadership style, where members of a group are encouraged to provide their input or ideas about a given situation; however I still believe in the environments we reviewed in this self-study course, even if a leader were to adopt this style and collect information from his or her…...
mlaReferences
Kubasek, N., Brennan, B.A., & Browne, N.M. (2002).The Legal environment of business: A critical thinking approach. New York: Prentice Hall.
Olmstead, J.A. (2002). Leading groups in stressful times. Westport: Quorum Books.
Leadership
This three-phased approach can prevent many usual emergency situations, reduce the impact of actual disasters and speed return to normal.
Leadership
2) Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina reinforced miscommunication that occurs when a dedicated incident management system based on the Incident Command System (ICS), is not used throughout the event. Barko (2005) states that National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) recognize that a well-planned and effective emergency response is not completely dependent on the cause, such as natural disasters vs. terrorism, but rather on all-hazards principles of span of control and operational designation of leadership for operations, planning, logistics and finance. A concise, mutual understanding of operational leadership and responsibilities permits integration of different assets to combine in a seamless response package that can save lives, protect property and mitigate additional damage. Implementation steps of a NIMS consist of: Incorporate NIMS into existing training programs and exercises; Ensure that federal preparedness funding…...
mlaReferences
Bourne, M. (2005) "Need for NIMS." Fire Chief 49.12
Byrnes, J.P. (1998) Nature and Development of Decision Making: A Self-Regulation Model. Contributors: Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates..
D'Amico, V. (2006) Streamlining the phases of disaster recovery. Accounting Today 20.9: 26.
Holtz, S. (2005) Prepare for disaster: author and communication expert Shel Holtz says if you don't have a crisis plan, get one. If you do, update it. American Executive 3.912-16
FEMA Procedures
Response Partner Guide and the Emergency Support Function Annexes from the NRF
Transportation (e.g., trains, planes, ships)
Through the Emergency Support Function (EFS), the role of transportation and it's support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to monitor and manage transportation systems and infrastructure during domestic threats and any responses to an actual incident (Homeland Security, 2008)
Telecommunication systems
Communications supports the restoration of the communications infrastructure, facilitates the recovery of systems and applications from cyber attacks, and coordinates Federal communications support to response efforts during incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response (Homeland Security, 2008). The telecommunications partners must also provide support for communication for the response team.
3.Utilities (e.g., water, electricity, waste disposal)
Public works and Engineering will assist the DHS by monitoring and coordinating capabilities regarding utilities as well as facilitate the delivery of services, technical assistance, engineering expertise, construction management, and other support to prepare for, respond to, and/or recover…...
mlaWorks Cited
Homeland Security. (2008, January). Overview: ESF and Support Annexes Coordinating Federal Assistance In Support of National Response Framework. Retrieved from Homeland Security: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-overview.pdf
LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT. (2009, March). Emergency Operations Plan. Retrieved from LSUHSC-SHREVEPORT: http://myhsc.lsuhscshreveport.edu/safetyoffice/Policies/2.14%20Emergency%20Operations%20Plan.pdf
Mui, Y. (2011, February 16). Seeking private-sector input, FEMA invites executives to work at headquarters. Retrieved from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/16/AR2011021603156.html
Role of FEMA in the Event of a National Grid Outage
The objective of this study is to examine the role of FEMA in the event of a national grid outage. This will be accomplished through a review of literature in this area of inquiry.
A national grid outage could occur for various reasons including CME flares of the Sun, terrorists attack damaging the grid or weather events that shut the grid down for days, weeks, months, or even longer than a year's time. Should any of these events occur resulting in a national grid outage, FEMA has a critical role to play in responding to such a situation.
FEMA's Role
FEMA is reported to be charged with providing support to both first responders and U.S. citizens in the event of a disaster and to make sure that "as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for,…...
mlaWorks Cited
Dodrill, T. (2013) Power Grid Down Drill to be Conducted By U.S. Government. Off The Grid News. Retrieved from: http://www.offthegridnews.com/2013/08/28/power-grid-down-drill-to-be-conducted-by-us-government/
National Grid offers tips for emergency preparedness (2013) Niagara Frontier Publications. 12 Sept 22-13 / Retrieved from: http://www.*****/news/article/current/2013/09/12/112501/national-grid-offers-tips-for-emergency-preparedness
The Role of FEMA in Disasters (2013) Disaster Philanthropy. Retrieved from: http://disasterphilanthropy.org/where/issue-insights/the-role-of-fema-in-disasters/
Disaster Management
non-governmental organizations (NGO) provide support during times of emergencies. Your task is to research the various NGOs (at a minimum three such organizations) that provide this support and post your results and cite the source(s) of your information.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian network and this movement claims to be both neutral and impartial, and provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts through 100 million members, volunteers and supporters in 190 National Societies (IFRC, N.d.). This organization supports various disaster relief and other humanitarian causes such as various development projects by working with governments, other NGOs, disaster survivors, and many other groups. Figure 1 - IFRC Operations (IFRC, N.d.)
Volunteers of America -- this organization is a NGO that includes 16,000 paid staff and 64,000 volunteers throughout the country…...
mlaWorks Cited
FEMA. (2014, September 19). Know Your Evacuation Routes For Emergency Departures. Retrieved from FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2014/09/19/know-your-evacuation-routes-emergency-departures
IFRC. (N.d.). The Movement. Retrieved from IFRC: http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/the-movement/
Monmouth County. (N.d.). Monmouth County Evacuation Routes. Retrieved from New Jersey's Monmouth County: https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=2621
Salvation Army. (N.d.). Doing the Most Good. Retrieved from The Salvation Army: http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/aboutus/?ourservices
Manmade or natural disasters frequently require a timely and coordinated response that may include federal, state and local resources. When a disaster rises to the level of a threat to the national interests, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Support Functions are activated. This paper provides a discussion concerning Public Safety Security Annex (ESF-13), including its origin and scope, as well as participants and the operational response to a critical incident of federal interest. Finally, a discussion concerning the respective roles of state and local agencies is followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning ESF-13 in the conclusion.
eview and Discussion
Origin of ESF-13
The Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) originated as part of the National esponse Framework (NF) and represent the main operational-level mechanisms that are used to organize and deliver assistance in times of need (Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #13, 2015). According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's…...
mlaReferences
Bumgarner, J. B. (2008). Emergency management: A reference handbook. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio.Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #13. (2015). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved from http:training.fema.goviscourseoverview.aspx?code=is-813.Emergency Support Function #13. (2008). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved from http:www.fema.govpdfemergencynrfnrf-esf-13.pdf.
Hurricane ecovery PSA
While governments and authorities try to advise effectively, and take all possible measures to prevent and avoid human casualties and loss of property, they also lay emphasis on the process of recovery after a natural disaster. The recovery process is important to prevent human loss and disease and to again set up their lives.
In this aspect, the National Disaster ecovery Framework provides a flexible structure which helps in the formation of strategies and enables disaster recovery managers to know what they need to do exactly in a collaborative manner. The aim of such disaster recovery efforts is to the finding out of the ways and means that are best to restore, redevelop the health and the social, economic and natural fabric of the community affected by the disaster ("National Disaster ecovery Framework k," 2016).
The National Disaster ecovery Framework has also developed a format that includes community planning and…...
mlaReferences
Be Safe After a Hurricane -- Hurricanes. (2016). Emergency.cdc.gov. Retrieved 19 May 2016, from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/be-safe-after.asp
Daly, R. (2006). Public Service Spots Address MH Care For Hurricane Victims. PN, 41(2), 10-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/pn.41.2.0010a
Make Sure Your Food and Water Are Safe to Use -- Hurricanes. (2016). Emergency.cdc.gov. Retrieved 19 May 2016, from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/foodwater.asp
National Disaster Recovery Framewor k. (2016). www.fema.gov. Retrieved 19 May 2016, from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/recoveryframework/ndrf_webinar.pdf
Earthquake Crisis in Haiti
A country such as Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters. Following the 2010 earthquake, they have already instituted the necessary capabilities to plan and mitigate such disaster. For instance, they have already upgraded their seismic surveillance networks. Although it is impossible to predict earthquakes where identifiable precursor events precede very few, the networks could speed up emergency response and offer early warnings to the tsunami-prone region. This is achieved by providing the location and intensity of the tremors.
Following a major earthquake in 2010, various local and regional warning system centers have been established (Gursky et al. 2012). The UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission coordinates these centers by setting up regional coordinating teams for Haiti and the adjacent regions. This initiative has been hailed as the most effective warning capacity for the Haiti because the successful response to a disaster entails early warning and timely information of potential…...
mlaReferences
Gursky, E. A., Hrec? Kovski, B., & NATO (2012). Handbook for Pandemic and Mass-Casualty Planning and Response. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Rao, R. R., Eisenberg, J. & Schmitt, T. (2007). Improving Disaster Management: The Role of IT in Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press.
Finance and Budgeting
Mission and Goals of the Organization
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's stated mission also encompasses its goals. The mission statement is "to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards" ("About the Agency," 2016) This mission is fairly sweeping, allowing the organization substantial scope to handle a wide range of issues. From a budgetary perspective, there are several implications of this mission. First, there are preventative measures, which implies that FEMA will have certain ongoing programs regardless of whether any emergencies arise. There will also need to be an infrastructure in place to handle disasters, and this infrastructure will need regular funding. The mission also specifically addresses the need to respond to hazards,…...
mlaReferences
"A performance review" (2006). A performance review of FEMA's disaster management activities in response to Hurricane Katrina. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspections and Special Reviews. Retrieved February 13, 2016 from https://www.oig.dhs.gov/assets/Mgmt/OIG_06-32_Mar06.pdf
"About the Agency" (2016). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved February 13, 2016 from http://www.fema.gov/about-agency
"Budget hearing -- Federal Emergency Management Agency" (2015). U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations. Retrieved February 13, 2016 from http://appropriations.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=394144
"Budget in Brief, fiscal year 2016." (2016) Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved February 13, 2016 from http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/FY_2016_DHS_Budget_in_Brief.pdf
Scale Emergency Exercise
Full Scale Emerency Exercise
The objective of this study is evaluate the requirements in a full scale emergency.
Emergency response has been at issue for many years. Formerly the agency known as civil defense is now known as the Emergency Management Agency or EMA in local counties of each state. On the federal level the agency appointed to respond to full scale emergencies is known as FEMA.
esponse Doctrine
According to FEMA there are five key principles to the doctrine of response including: (1) an engaged partnership; (2) response that is tiered in nature; (3) response that is "scalable, flexible, adaptable in terms of operational capabilities; (4) a unity of effort through "unified command; and (5) a readiness to act. (FEMA, 2013, p. 8) It is stated specifically that "esponse doctrine is rooted in America's Federal system and the Constitution's division of responsibilities between Federal and State governments. Because this doctrine…...
mlaReferences
Reynolds, P. (2005) Multiple Failures Caused Relief Crisis. BBC News. Retrieved from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4216508.stm
Abramson, David and Richard Garfield. 2006. On the Edge: Children and Families Displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Face a Looming Medical and Mental Health Crisis. A Report of the Louisiana Child and Family Health Study. New York: National Center for Disaster Preparedness and Operation Assist, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. http://www.ncdp.mailman.columbia.edu/files/On%20the%20Edge%20LCAFH%20Final%20Report_Columbia%20University.pdf
Abramson, David, Richard Garfield, and Irwin Redlener. 2007. The Recovery Divide: Poverty and the Widening Gap among Mississippi Children and Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina. A Report of the Mississippi Child and Family Health Study. New York: National Center for Disaster Preparedness and the Children's Health Fund, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. http://www.ncdp.mailman.columbia.edu/files/recovery_divide.pdf
Abramson, David, Irwin Redlener, Tasha Stehling-Ariza, and Elizabeth Fuller. 2007. The Legacy of Katrina's Children: Estimating the (umbers of Hurricane-Related At-Risk Children in the Gulf Coast States of Louisiana and Mississippi. A Research Brief prepared by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness in collaboration with the Children's Health Fund. New York: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. http://www.ncdp.mailman.columbia.edu/files/legacy_katrina_children.pdf
Emergency Response Plan- Non-Government Entities
FEMA makes it very clear in their National Readiness Report that the Red Cross plays a critical role in assisting communities during a disaster. Not only are funds donated and distributed to aid families, but the Red Cross further aids by providing medical care, food, clothing, and housing to disaster victims. Even during some of the greatest disasters, including September 11th and some of the most recent destructive earthquakes, the Red Cross has been permitted to step in and aid victims in a much faster way then the government ever could have. It is because of this response time and quality that the Red Cross has received its high level of clearance for responding to emergencies. This paper will detail the Red Cross's role in dealing with a large passenger airplane crash and their role within the emergency response team. The two primary areas where the…...
mlaWorks Cited
Armstrong K, O'Callahan W, Marmar C (1991). Debriefing red cross disaster personnel: The multiple stressor debriefing method. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 4(4): 581-93.
Private Sector Partner Guide. FEMA. Updated February 2010. Accessed May 14, 2012 at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/PartnerGuidePrivateSector.pdf
Reynolds, Barbara & Seeger, Matthew (2005). Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication as an Integrative Model. Journal of Health Communications: Internal Perspectives, 10(1): 43-55.
Hypothetical Disaster: Hurricane in Jacksonville, FL
NIMS Component: Communications and Information Management
Central Question: How would NIMS ensure application of the concepts of interoperability, reliability, scalability, and portability, as well as the resiliency and redundancy of communications and information systems if a hurricane hit Jacksonville, FL?
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) depend on effective communications, which in turn rely on information systems and technology. If Jacksonville were hit by a hurricane, communications and information management would ensure that local, state, and federal resources would be effectively managed, coordinated, and dispersed. ecovery and relief efforts would likewise depend on effective communications and information management.
A core component of communications and information management is interoperability. Interoperability refers to the ability for different agencies, stakeholders, and jurisdictions to communicate with each other and with any external or ancillary support systems including the media. According to FEMA (n.d.), interoperability consists of three main areas: linkage to the same…...
mlaReferences
FEMA (2014). NIMS communications and information management. Retrieved online: https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700a/student%20manual/is0700a_studentmanual_l4.pdf
FEMA (n.d.). National incident management system (NIMS), an introduction. Retrieved online: https://emilms.fema.gov/IS700aNEW/NIMS01summary.htm
Coordination of Disaster Preparedness
Who was in command of that incident? Explain whether or not you think the right organization and individual/s were in command.
The May 4, 2013, severe flooding and tornadoes in the central United States necessitated an urgent need for food supplies, overnight shelters, and disaster support. The incident command in this scene, the American ed Cross deployed mobile feeding vehicles, opened shelters and coordinated over one thousand tornado disaster relief employees. Participants of the ed Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program helped offer the funds to rush relief to residents; however, the need for additional donations was still great because of the enormous devastation storms caused across the central U.S.. This was among the deadliest tornados ever since 1988 so I believe the ed Cross was the most suitable organization. It continued to mobilize volunteers and supplies, such as clean-up kits, into the affected areas. ed Cross caseworkers worked…...
mlaReferences
Auf, H. E. (1989). Disaster Response: Principles of Preparation and Coordination. St. Louis: Mosby
Beach, M. (2010). Disaster Preparedness and Management. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Co.
Golnaraghi, M. (2012). Institutional Partnerships in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: A Compilation of Seven National Good Practices and Guiding Principles. Berlin: Spri
O'Leary, M. R. (2004). The First 72 Hours: A Community Approach to Disaster Preparedness. New York: Iuniverse
According to some authors, divorce is a problem when it comes to delinquency. Others do not see a strong correlation. For example, "The variables that predict male delinquency were found to be different from those that predict female delinquency. Characteristics of the parents' marriage play an important role for boys, while misbehavior of girls is more strongly predicted by variables measuring parent-child interaction and parental control." comes from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1533-8525.1982.tb01014.x/abstract and appears to say that only boys are affected by factors in their parents' marriage when it comes to delinquency. However, this article: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J087v39n01_07#.UnhDkOLufLY states that divorce is a cause of....
One of the interests that I have is in helping victims of childhood sexual abuse. I became interested in this area by accident. As a middle-school child, I had a friend express suicidal ideations to me and relayed them to my parent. The friend’s parents got them into a treatment program, but also removed them from our school. Feeling as if I had betrayed their confidence, the friend ended communication with me. It was years later, in an unrelated way, that I learned that there were several warning signs of childhood sexual abuse in their home. When....
Emergency management is the practice of handling disasters, whether manmade or natural disasters. There are different levels of emergency management, because emergencies can be local, citywide, statewide, countrywide, or even global. The current COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of a global emergency and how different regions have handled the pandemic highlight differences in emergency management.
There are a number of different topics to explore in terms of emergency management:
Job opportunities and working conditions for Canadian women during the period between 1880 and 1920 were fairly limited. Women were expected to be part of the labor force, but only until they married. At that time, men were expected to be the primary breadwinners and married women were discouraged from participating in the workforce. In fact, over all the progress towards women’s rights in Canada has been relatively slow.
Technically, the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century offered many opportunities for advancement for women’s rights. Women began to attend universities and....
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