Mission possible: A failure mode and effect analysis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

2007 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Jeff Nelson, MS ◽  
Kiril Hristovski, PhD, MS ◽  
Danny Peterson, PhD, CEM

In its report pertaining to the performance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during Hurricane Katrina, the US Senate recommended replacing FEMA with a bigger and better organization. Instead of replacing FEMA as a whole, an attempt should be made to scientifically identify and correct any significant gaps within the organizational and operational structure of FEMA based on FEMA’s current mission requirements under the National Response Plan. This article demonstrates the use of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methodology for identification, analysis, measurement, and prioritization of the systemic root causes for FEMA’s inadequate mission performance during disasters of Katrina’s magnitude. The article also provides suggestions for the most effective corrective action models for the top five high-risk functions at FEMA identified and prioritized using FMEA.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Kahan

AbstractThroughout its history, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been subjected to periods of criticism – notably, its response to Hurricane Katrina – sprinkled with peaks of praise – notably, its handling of Hurricane Sandy. As currently articulated, FEMA’s primary purpose is to better prepare states and local entities to respond to disasters by mitigating the consequences of those disasters and helping to start the recovery process. If first responders cannot adequately handle a situation, then federal operational assistance led by FEMA would come into play. FEMA is now on the proper path toward meeting realistic expectations of its role as the federal agency in charge of leading and coordinating efforts to ensure that the nation is well prepared to cope with natural disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks. However, political forces have always buffeted FEMA. Within the politically charged atmosphere of the forthcoming presidential election, questions of whether FEMA should once again become independent are emerging, with hints of the more extreme suggestion that the agency be abolished. FEMA’s goal of continuing to effectively meet its disaster relief responsibilities can be reached only if political influences are not allowed to complicate and perhaps even halt its progress.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. McCarthy ◽  
George T. Chiampas ◽  
Sanjeev Malik ◽  
Kendra Cole ◽  
Patricia Lindeman ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTDisaster response requires rapid, complex action by multiple agencies that may rarely interact during nondisaster periods. Failures in communication and coordination between agencies have been pitfalls in the advancement of disaster preparedness. Recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency address these needs and demonstrate commitment to successful disaster management, but they are challenging for communities to ensure. In this article we describe the application of Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines to the 2008 and 2009 Chicago Marathon and discuss the details of our implementation strategy with a focus on optimizing communication. We believe that it is possible to enhance community disaster preparedness through practical application during mass sporting events.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:310–315)


Author(s):  
Monika Kowalczyk ◽  
Urszula Nowacka

The article presents a description of the methodology of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which allows for a detailed assessment of each threat separately, in a numerical manner. The FEMA methodology uses four criteria: history of the event, vulnerability, probability and maximum threat. The aim and method of research was determined and the risk analysis of threats in Częstochowa County was estimated on the basis of FEMA methodology. The conducted research allowed to draw attention to the advantages and disadvantages of the FEMA methodology.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document