Fema

Introduction 2

What is FEMA? 2

Three Major Divisions of FEMA 3

Three Activities of FEMA 5

Impact of Hurricane Katrina 6

1. Economic effects 6

2. Social effects 7

3. Environmental effects 7

Criticisms 8

The Strength of FEMA 11

1. Reduce the redundancies: 11

2. Disaster assistance 11

3. Various programs 12

The Weakness of FEMA 12

1. Vague role definition 12

2. Staffing problems 13

3. Problem with motivation 14

4. Absorption into DHS 14

5. Problematic strategies 16

6. Poor communication 16

7. Public relation 17

The Proposed Change 18

1. Competent leadership 18

2. Conflict management 19

3. Communication 19

4. Structural change 20

5. Monitor employee attitudes 20

6. Continuous improvement 21

Conclusion 22

References 23

Introduction

Hurricane Katrina became the New OrleansÐŽ¦ biggest nightmare in year 2005. Even though the city was spared the full impact of the hurricane, the cityÐŽ¦s levees were breached and flooded more than 80 percent of the city. At the end of the day, the total death toll has reached 1,836 as of May 2006, and the experts estimated the total cost of Hurricane Katrina at $81.2 billion or more. It was true that Katrina was a natural disaster; therefore, it was unpredictable and unavoidable. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saw its approach to Katrina as a success story. However, many of the criticisms were directed toward the ill-prepared FEMA and the lack of coordination in the rescue operation, in which FEMA refuse volunteersÐŽ¦ help including manpower and food. Some even suggested the abolishment of FEMA for good. The point at issue here is whether FEMA is effective in doing what it is suppose to do. We would identify the strength FEMA possesses, as well as the weaknesses the agency contained. Recommendations would be made in the end by using organizational behavior tools.

What is FEMA?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established as an independent agency by presidential executive order on March 31, 1979. However, after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, FEMA became a part of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 1, 2003. Basically, FEMA integrates the emergency-related programs of Nations and is the central agency within the Federal Government for emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. FEMA works closely with State and local governments so that FEMA has the capability to offer money for emergency programs, technical guidance and training and also sets the resources of Federal in time when disaster takes place. Thereby, these coordinated activities ensure a perfect program to protect life and property from a disaster and provide recovery assistance after a disaster as well.

According to the regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it reports directly to the White House and manages the President's Disaster Relief Fund and the source of most Federal funding assistance after hazards and major disasters. The program of FEMA includes providing response and recovery solutions for major natural disasters and human-caused emergencies, emergency management planning, flood-plain management, materials planning for hazardous, dam safety, and multi-hazard response planning. Other activities include emergency food and shelter funding for the homeless, plans to ensure the continuity of the Federal Government during national security emergencies, and Federal Government responses to the consequences of major terrorism.

Three Major Divisions of FEMA

Ñ"Ь Mitigation Division:

Mitigation Division is the most important part in FEMA and it consists of Risk Analysis branch, Risk Reduction branch and Risk Insurance branch to carry out its programs. When natural hazards take place such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and dam failures, the mitigation division mainly provides a range of programs to eliminate or reduce the long-term risk of life and property for homes, businesses, schools, public buildings and critical facilities.

Ñ"Ь Response Division:

The Response Division provides response capability to save lives, protect property and minimize suffering in an effective method in order to overcome the natural disasters, terrorism or other critical emergencies. The response programs not only make sure the coordination does well but also assure effective and efficient of immediate emergent assistance to individuals and communities.

Ñ"Ь Recovery Division:

The capability of Recovery Division is to measure and ensure the affection of individuals or communities in all size disaster and the Recovery Division will give help and supports properly in time. Thereby, the most effective and efficient recovery can be accomplished. It has Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, the Federal Coordinating Officer Program, emergency and disaster declaration processing to complete the recovery work.

Three Activities of FEMA

Ñ"Ь Preparedness, Training, and Exercises:

This activity supplies policy guidance, financial and technical assistance, training, and exercise support required to establish or enhance all-hazard, risk-based emergency management capabilities of Federal, State, and local governments. In addition, this activity emphasizes that FMEA should to maintain a family protection program with private sector. The volunteer organizations encourage and assist families and neighborhoods