Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
were created as general, all-hazards guidelines, whereas others, such as the Post-
Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, were born from a specific event.
Robert T. Stafford Act
To bring a more orderly and systemic means of federal natural disaster assistance
for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to aid citi-
zens, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public
Law 93-288) was passed in 1988. This act describes the programs and processes by
which the federal government provides coordination and support to state and local
governments, tribal nations, eligible nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and
individuals affected by a declared major disaster or emergency. The Stafford Act
covers all hazards, including natural disasters and terrorist events.
The Stafford Act was amended several times, most recently with the Post-
Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) in 2006 (Public Law
109-295) to address the issues and challenges that arose during the response to
Hurricane Katrina (see “Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act” sec-
tion for more information on PKEMRA).
Homeland Security Act of 2002
Title I of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), with the mission of
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Preventing terrorist attacks within the United States
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Reducing the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism
◾
Minimizing the damage, and assisting in the recovery, from terrorist attacks
that do occur within the United States
◾
Carrying out all functions of entities transferred to the department, includ-
ing by acting as a focal point regarding natural and man-made crises and
emergency planning
The act organized FEMA into DHS, with a direct line of report between the admin-
istrator and the secretary, but it also kept it separate from the new Preparedness
Directorate. The Preparedness Directorate consolidated preparedness assets from
across the department. It facilitated grants and oversaw nationwide preparedness
efforts supporting first-responder training, citizen awareness, public health, infra-
structure, and cyber security.
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 clarified and
modified the Homeland Security Act of 2002 with respect to the organizational
