FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a United States government agency that is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its primary purpose is to coordinate the federal government's response to natural disasters, emergencies, and other incidents that overwhelm the capacity of local and state authorities.
FEMA's functions include:
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Disaster Response: Providing assistance and resources to help communities recover from disasters like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires.
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Preparedness: Helping communities prepare for potential disasters through training, resources, and public education campaigns.
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Mitigation: Supporting initiatives that reduce the impact of disasters, such as town planning, building codes, and infrastructure improvements.
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Recovery Assistance: Offering financial aid to individuals, businesses, and local governments to recover from the effects of disasters.
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Emergency Management: Collaborating with state and local governments, non-profits, and other federal agencies to create effective emergency management plans.
FEMA also administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provides grants and assistance to improve overall disaster resilience across the country.