This is FEMA A look at the federal government's primary disaster response and recovery resource. Disaster. It strikes anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms – hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes floods, hazardous spills or acts of terrorism. Every year, disasters put millions of Americans in danger and destroy billions of dollars worth of property. But every year, all year, FEMA is on the job — helping communities reduce their risk, helping emergency officials prepare for any hazard or helping people get back on their feet after their lives are disrupted by a disaster. FEMA, a federal agency since 1979, became part of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. FEMA's mission within the department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all potential disasters and to manage the federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident — whether natural or man-made. About 2,500 full-time employees and nearly 4,000 employees are available on standby status to help after disasters. They work at FEMA headquarters in Washington D.C., at regional and area facilities across the country, at the Mt. Weather Emergency Operations Center and at the FEMA training center in Emmitsburg, Md. What does FEMA do? Prepares – Responds – Helps Recover – Reduces Risk Coordinates the Federal Response to Presidentially Declared Disasters Whether a disaster strikes without warning, such as a tornado or earthquake, or gives advance warning, such as a hurricane, FEMA moves quickly to position staff and supplies and assess what other federal agencies are needed as well. FEMA does not respond to every disaster that occurs in the U.S. It responds only when a disaster overwhelms a state's resources and the governor requests federal help. Once damage assessments are made, the President may issue a federal disaster declaration, opening the way for the federal government to pay for disaster recovery. Helps Emergency Managers and the Public Prepare for Disasters At FEMA's National Emergency Training Center, emergency managers, firefighters and elected officials take courses in planning for emergencies, responding to hazardous materials spills and managing fire services – to name only a few. Independent study courses on many topics are available online and satellite broadcasts are aired through the Emergency Education Network. FEMA also coordinates large-scale exercises to test emergency procedures and planning with other federal agencies and state and local officials. FEMA educates the public on all-hazards preparedness by offering guidance on the FEMA.gov Web site and helping to promote Ready.gov. Helps Residents, Businesses Recover FEMA provides many kinds of direct aid to residents and business owners in declared areas. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest loans to help those affected by disaster losses. And FEMA provides assistance to state and local governments and certain non- profit organizations. The assistance is used to repair or rebuild public facilities damaged or destroyed by a disaster and to pay for debris removal and other emergency services. Works to Reduce Future Disaster Risk A large part of FEMA's work is encouraging people and communities to reduce or eliminate their risk of disaster damage. How can this be done? In many ways – from large efforts such as removing homes from floodplains to simple actions such as installing hurricane shutters. New technologies and better planning and mapping make it easier for community officials to look ahead and safeguard their residents. Hazard Mitigation Grants, part of the package of assistance offered after a federally declared disaster, help a stricken community reduce future risk. Administers the National Flood Insurance Program, Reduces Flood Risk Since private flood insurance was not offered by private companies at an affordable rate, Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968 and authorized FEMA to administer it. This program offers federally backed flood insurance to property owners in communities that adopt and enforce ordinances to reduce future flood losses. The NFIP is a self-supporting program; flood insurance claims and expenses are funded from policyholder premiums, not tax dollars. FEMA also maps the nation's floodplains to identify flood hazards and works with state and local officials to minimize flood risks. Includes the U.S. Fire Administration America's fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world. Acting to halt these tragic losses, Congress established the U.S Fire Administration (USFA) and its National Fire Academy in 1974. The USFA is part of FEMA. Its mission is to save lives and reduce economic losses due to fire and related emergencies through research and training, public education and coordination with other federal agencies and fire protection and emergency service personnel. USFA has helped reduce fire deaths by at least half, making American communities and residents safer. FEMA Headquarters 500 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20472 FEMA Regional Offices FEMA Region I 99 High Street, Sixth Floor Boston, MA 02110 877.336-2734 FEMA Region II 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 212.680-3600 FEMA Region III 615 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215.931.5608 FEMA Region IV 3003 Chamblee-Tucker Rd. Atlanta, GA 30341 770.220.5200 FEMA Region V 536 South Clark St., Chicago, IL 60605 312.408.5500 FEMA Region VI Federal Regional Center 800 North Loop 288 Denton, TX 76209 940.898.5399 FEMA Region VII 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64114-3372 816.283.7061 FEMA Region VIII Federal Center Bldg. 710 Box 25267 Denver, CO 80225 303.235.4800 FEMA Region IX 1111 Broadway Suite 1200 Oakland, CA 94607 510.627.7100 FEMA Region X 130 228th Street, SW Bothell, WA 98021 425.487.4600 www.fema.gov www.dhs.gov www.ready.gov 1-800-BEREADY