FEMA has 10 regional offices that work directly with the states to help plan for disasters, develop mitigation programs, monitor developing or actual disaster incidents and implement federal response activities under the Federal Response Plan when an incident occurs. When an emergency which overwhelms state resources occurs, state disaster/emergency officials advise the FEMA Regional Director that the Governor is requesting or intends to request a declaration by the President. The FEMA Regional Director evaluates the damage and requirements for federal assistance and makes a recommendation to the Director or FEMA who, in turn, recommends a course of action to the President. If the President declares a major disaster or emergency, an appropriate FEMA (or other federal) official is appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) to work directly with the State Coordinating Officer to mobilize and coordinate federal resources. Emergency support teams, composed of disaster assistance specialists from federal agencies, assist the FCO in carrying out his or her responsibilities.
No programs.