FEMA: Ready for 2006 Hurricane Season

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following press release:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's response to the unprecedented Gulf Coast hurricanes. Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma was the largest mobilization of emergency response and disaster recovery resources in the history of FEMA exceeding operational responses to the 2004 Florida hurricanes, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the Great Midwest Floods of 1993.

FEMA approaches the 2006 hurricane season with a renewed sense of commitment, improvement and urgency, building on a solid foundation of experienced professionals and the lessons learned from last year's unprecedented disaster response activities. The 2005 hurricane season tested our nation as never before, and we are committed to increasing our preparedness for catastrophic events and smaller-scale disasters.

While states and localities have the lead in emergency response, FEMA is prepared to coordinate the federal government's supporting role. FEMA also understands the special needs of Gulf Coast states, which will include a need for assistance with evacuation planning, difficulties with manufactured housing, and diminished law enforcement capabilities.

FEMA has implemented multiple new measures designed to strengthen essential functions so the agency can more effectively respond to all disasters. These improvements include building a 21st century supply tracking system, enhancing our ability to receive requests for individual assistance, expediting the pace of debris removal, and developing a smarter plan for long-term housing.

The following are examples of some of the improvements that are in place for the 2006 hurricane season. Chief among them is the integration of FEMA operations with the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA will continue to make other significant enhancements beyond this hurricane season.

STRENGTHENING FEDERAL COORDINATION IN THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

Increased Level of Coordination with the Department of Defense (DoD) - To synchronize coordination and readiness with the military, whose personnel and capabilities can be critical in a major disaster response, FEMA and the DoD are placing a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) - typically deployed as lead field coordinator for the DoD at the time of a disaster - in each of FEMA's ten regional offices for ongoing preparedness and response coordination in disasters. FEMA is also streamlining the way it seeks assistance from the DoD by pre-scripting mission assignments in advance of the hurricane season so that time is not lost during the critical response period.

Upgraded and Coordinated Operations Centers within Homeland Security - FEMA's National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) - where federal government representatives from the Emergency Support Functions identified in the National Response Plan are collocated to coordinate activities during disaster response - equipment and installed software to improve the interface, coordination, and exchange of information with the Department of Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC). In addition, improvements to information technology systems, audio-visual equipment, and Video Tele-Conference (VTC) capabilities at the NRCC and FEMA Region IV (Atlanta) and Region VI (Denton) Regional Response Coordination Centers will improve coordination, rapid exchange of information, and access to field reports before, during and after a disaster.

IMPROVING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS & COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILTY