The Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether they are natural or man-made, including acts of terror. FEMA began during the Congressional Act of 1803. The Congressional Act was considered the first piece of disaster legislation, and provided assistance to a New Hampshire town following an extensive fire. During the following century legislation was passed more than 100 times in response to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. In the 1930's, when the federal approach problems became popular, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was given authority to make disaster loans for repair and reconstruction of some public facilities following an earthquake, and later , other types of disasters. The Bureau of Public Roads was given authority to provide funding for bridges and highways damaged by natural disasters in 1934. The Flood Control Act was also passed and gave the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers greater authority to implement flood control projects. Hurricane Carla struck in 1962, Hurricane Betsy in 1965, Hurricane Camille hit in 1969 and Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The Alaskan Earthquake hit in 1964 and the San Fernando Earthquake rocked Southern California in 1971. All of these events served to focus attention on the issue of natural disasters and brought forth increased legislation. The National Flood Insurance Act offered new flood protection to homeowners in 1968, and the Disaster Relief Act established the process of Presidential disaster declarations in 1974. when hazards are associated with nuclear power plants and the transportation of hazardous substances are added to natural disasters, more than 100 federal agencies are involved in some aspect of disasters, hazards, and emergencies. Other agencies among FEMA are:

• the Federal Insurance Administration
• the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration
• the National Weather Service Community Preparedness Program
• the Federal Agency of General Services Administration
• the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration

Billions of dollars of new funding were directed to FEMA to help communities face the threat of terrorism. In March 2003, FEMA joinede 22 other federal agencies, programs and offices in becoming the Department of Homeland Security. President George W. Bush signed into law the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act on October 4, 2006. The most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history was Hurricane Katrina, and it included a more robust preparedness mission for FEMA. FEMA's mission: to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of "A Nation Prepared" has remained the same for almost 30 years.