Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

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October/November 2007                                                                                            Volume 13 - Number 1/2

Perspectives...

A Leader’s Position on Emergency Management
By Stuart Belle

R. David Paulison serves as the Administrator of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The expectations and ‘institutional tone’ for emergency management created by the head of this ‘coordinating body’ can translate into success or failure of FEMA’s response during crisis events, whether natural disasters or terrorist activities.  This being the case, what is the position of FEMA’s administrator on the requirements for and practice of successful emergency management?

With Paulison’s breadth and level of experience, emergency management – and particularly the disciplines of planning and preparedness – should resonate and find strong foothold in the resource allocation and program implementation process at FEMA.  FEMA’s strategic plan for FY 2003 – 2008 envisions a nation prepared.  “FEMA will work to prepare the Nation for disasters by encouraging individuals, governmental entities, and public and private groups at all levels to become informed of the risks they face, to make decision to help keep people, property, and institutions out of harm’s way, and to possess the capability and knowledge needed to act when disasters occur.”  (Source: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/fema_strat_plan_fy03-08(append).pdf).
What is Paulison’s position on these issues – particularly the placement of emergency management practice in homeland security measures? The following is an excerpt from an interview by Raphael M. Barishansky, MPH, EMT-B with R. David Paulison on the future for FEMA.  Question:  “Previously, FEMA has been utilized primarily as a mitigation and recovery organization. This past year's events presented a true response role for the organization-perhaps the first in its history. Do you see a retooling to get FEMA's personnel more comfortable in a "response" mode?”  Answer: “FEMA continues to lead the federal government's role in the recovery and mitigation phases of a presidential-declared disaster, as evidenced by the more than $25 billion poured into the Gulf Coast for temporary housing, debris removal and insurance claims, among other recovery efforts. The Stafford Act tasks FEMA with coordinating the Disaster Relief Fund, so we will continue to support state and local governments with recovery efforts and the National Flood Insurance Program, which is headed by the director of our mitigation division.” “ That said, while FEMA has been looked at as a recovery and mitigation organization in years past, I believe Hurricane Katrina showed more of what you can expect from FEMA and the federal government in responding to a major disaster.  In a five-year span, America has seen two of the most unprecedented, catastrophic disasters in our history-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina-and the federal government, overall, is stepping up to support state and local responders. While these responders must continue taking the lead in ensuring the safety, evacuation and rescuing of their residents, the federal government -FEMA included - is strengthening partnerships across the board with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to make sure we have the people and resources in place when needed.”  (Source:  http://www.emsresponder.com/print/Emergency--Medical-Services/The-Future-for-FEMA--An-Interview-With-R-David-Paulison/1$3816)  
Is a strategic, coherent, and long-term statement and emphasis on comprehensive emergency management missing? You be the judge.