The role of federal versus state/local government agencies during a major disaster or event

The role of federal versus state/local government agencies during a major disaster or event

 

Often there is a conflict between federal, state, and local jurisdiction as to who is responsible for responding during a crisis.

 

Describes the role of federal versus state/local government agencies during a major disaster or event

Describe what federal agencies you might find in a localized state disaster response, and what their respective roles are

Things to consider might be what triggers federal involvement versus a state-only reply.

When a disaster occurs, the local government takes the following measures. It provides the initial emergency response through its service agencies. It activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Thirdly, it coordinates the response with public and private organizations. Fourth, it notifies state emergency management of the scope of the situation and activates mutual aid. Fifth proclaims a local state of emergency and requests assistance from the state if the situation demands. If the State government agrees that there is a need to intervene in a crisis, it reviews and evaluates the local condition.

When the state responds to a disaster, it does so in four action phases: Threat or Impact, initial assessment, response and recovery. The state’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) addresses each aspect in detail to guide all stakeholders to their respective duties. Secondly, it determines if the situation is beyond the capacity of the country. Thirdly, it proclaims a state emergency and requests the federal government for assistance.

If a state requests for federal aid, the following are the responsibilities of the federal government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the Federal Agency that coordinates the activation and implementation of the Federal Response Plan (FDR). Therefore, states acting as agents of the local government work with FEMA to access Federal Programs and assistance. Although disasters occur at the local level and the citizens and the local governments are the first respondents, local government officials cannot access federal aid without the help of the state government. In most cases, after receiving a request for assistance, FEMA conducts a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with state and local governments. PDA identifies damage to individuals, farms, and businesses. It also identifies the destruction of public agencies, special districts, and private non-profit organizations.

Secondly, it approves or denies requests for Federal assistance. If approved, FEMA assigns a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) to lead the Emergency Response Team (ERT). It also sets up a Disaster Field Office (DFO) to coordinate response and recovery efforts. FEMA also works with the State Coordinating Officer (SCO) to address response and recovery efforts. Thirdly, FEMA activates the procedure outlined in the federal response plan (FRP). The FRP explains how the resources of the American Red Cross and Federal Agencies will be utilized and coordinated to provide response and assistance. Fourthly, the federal government agency establishes the Emergency Support Team (EST) to monitor operations from Washington. Finally, it identifies the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) to respond.

Disasters always occur at the local level. For some emergencies, a warning is available, while in others, it is not. For example, natural disasters such as slow-rising floods and approaching hurricanes are predictable. However, some accidents, such as earthquakes, are not foreseeable. Citizens, the local government and voluntary agencies are the first to respond and try to cope with the situation. The local government maintains control over all the assets used in response and recovery to increase efficiency.