FEMA 1998
Dateline: 10/02/98
While their web site has undergone major changes since our last visit in 1997, the mission of FEMA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency remains the same - Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Recovery
In just two days last month, President Clinton declared major disasters in
Louisiana,
Texas,
Puerto Rico, and the
US Virgin Islands. By doing so, the President authorizes
eligible
local Governments and citizens in the impacted areas to receive, on a
cost-sharing basis, Federal recovery assistance through FEMA's
Response
and Recovery and
Public
Assistance programs.
By the time you read this,
Hurricane
Georges, here will have added citizens somewhere along the northern Gulf
of Mexico to the list of people receiving part of
$20 billion FEMA
dollars over the last 10 years.
Preparedness
Since the assistance dollars FEMA provides comes from us - Tax Payers - the
agency is rightfully concerned that financial impact of disaster is held
to a minimum. To this end, FEMA offers extensive programs of
preparedness and
training
for both
natural
and
technological
disasters. As an extra measure, the
National Flood Insurance
Program provides
affordable
protection to
homeowners,
business owners, and renters. As an arm of FEMA, the
US Fire
Administration works to reduce the number of lives lost and property
damage caused annually by fire.
Awareness
It's hard to prepare for a disaster if you don't know it's coming. Fortunately,
FEMA's Web site provides plenty of resources to inform you of impending
danger:
Weather
Warnings - displays up-to-the minute severe weather warnings issued by
the National Weather
Service.
Storm Watch
- focuses on current tropical storm activity and includes
satellite
images,
current
weather maps, and much more.
Conclusion
When it comes to disaster, no place in America is out of harm's way. Fortunately,
when it comes to recovery from disaster all Americans can depend on FEMA.
This is one agency that really does show "your tax dollars at work."
FEMA Web Site - Main Index
Weather
Warnings
About FEMA
US Fire
Administration
Storm Watch
(Tropical Weather)
News
Project Impact
Disaster Assistance
FEMA for Kids
Mitigation
Preparedness
Flood Insurance
Career
Opportunities
Info for Businesses
