Federal Insurance and
Mitigation Administration (FIMA)
by John F. Smith
In August of 2001, Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Director Joseph Allbaugh merged the Federal Insurance Administration
and Mitigation Directorate into the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration
(FIMA) in an attempt to combine the major components of emergency management.
Described as the “cornerstone” of emergency management, FIMA is responsible
for the nation’s natural hazards reduction programs. Anthony Lowe was
confirmed by the Senate in October, 2002 as the new Administrator of FIMA.
Through active public relations, education, and public
forums, FIMA works to not only plan for disasters (natural, man-made, terrorism-related)
before they occur, but educate States and local communities on what they can
do to plan for disasters. FIMA provides the public and public officials
with training manuals and videos on the mitigation of natural hazards and
has recently announced that applications for the 2003/2004 Community Planning
Fellowships are now available (www.fema.gov/fima/planning11.shtm).
FEMA’s all-hazards approach to mitigation has increased
FIMA’s focus on mitigation for terrorism sponsored events, as well as continuing
its focus on all natural hazards. A self-described “new approach to
environmental, economic and social policy”, FEMA’s focus on enhancing the
sustainability of communities is geared to sustain the viability and livability
of communities through appropriate planning and mitigation, all actions led
by FIMA. In support of its community education, FIMA has prepared several
documents, including, “Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Link Between
Hazard Mitigation and Livability.”
Some facts about FIMA’s national programs:
· National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
o As of July 31, 2002, the NFIP recorded 4.37
Million Flood insurance policies in force. The top five states representing
these policies were Florida (1.8M), Texas (443,000), Louisiana (365,000),
California (288,000), and New Jersey (181,000).
· Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
o Funded at $20 annually, the FMAP works to
decrease the potential damage to properties insurable under the NFIP by elevating
or relocating properties, or acquiring properties for rezoning.
· National Dam Safety Program
o As the ages of dams increase and the number
of qualified dam safety engineers fall (through retirement), the integrity
and safety of the nation’s dams is of critical concern.
o 1999 was the first full year of funding, and in FY 2000 -2001, over $8M
was provided to the states and Puerto Rico under this program.
· National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)
o NEHRP worked with the Los Angeles Unified
School District to repair and retrofit suspended lighting systems and ceilings
in all of their schools. The LAUSD experienced total damage of $134M
- $3.1M for lighting systems actually damaged in the earthquake. Under
the NEHRP, $45M was provided for the retrofitting and bracing of lighting
systems and ceilings not otherwise damaged.
· Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
o The HMGP provides federal mitigation funding
after a presidentially declared disaster, and provides detailed instructional
and educational information to homeowners, States, and communities on mitigating
the potential damage from disasters.
· National Hurricane Program (NHP)
o The NHP Tornado Safe Rooms, through joint-ventures
with research institutions, has proven successful in mitigating the loss
of life during tornados and hurricanes by creating a wind and damage resistant
room in one’s house or office.
For additional information, please see the following links:
General Administration Overview: www.fema.gov/fima
Additional FIMA Success Stories: www.fema.gov/fima/success.shtm
Planning Resources: www.fema.gov/fima/whyplan.shtm
Anti-Terrorism Mitigation Resources: www.fema.gov/fima/antiterrorism/resources.shtm
Anti-Terrorism Related Links: www.fema.gov/fima/antiterrorism/links.shtm
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