FEMA

Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms -- it could be a hurricane, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, or some other act of nature or an act of terrorism. The Federal Emergency Management Agency -- FEMA -- is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President. Since its founding in 1979, FEMA's mission has been clear: to reduce loss of life and property and protect our nation's critical infrastructure from all types of hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

My staff and I are committed to working with FEMA officials to ensure that Northwest Florida's needs are met. The range of FEMA's activiities is broad indeed; advising on building codes and flood plain management; teaching people how to get through a disaster; helping equip local and state emergency preparedness; coordinating the federal response to a disaster; making disaster assistance available to states, communities, businesses and individuals; training emergency managers; supporting the nation's fire service; and administering the national flood and crime insurance programs...the range of FEMA's activities is broad indeed.

For more information on the resources available through FEMA, go to http://www.fema.gov/.