FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the nation's foremost emergency management agency. FEMA, a Department of Homeland Security component, leads and supports a risk based emergency management program of protection, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The agency works to protect people and property from disasters by managing resources, supplies and sheltering operations before, during, and after emergencies occur. The agency also educates communities on the dangers to their safety as well as their health.
What We Do
FEMA offers on-the-ground assistance to state, local and tribal governments to help them prepare for, respond, and recover after disasters. It does this by working with a variety of partners, such as government agencies and non profit organizations in both public and private sectors.
How we do It
FEMA has large staff that works out of Washington, D.C., and 10 regional offices. There are also other facilities around the country. FEMA is responsible for providing assistance on the ground and funding long-term relief efforts after disasters.
What We Are Acquainted With
The United States has a growing number natural and manmade disasters that can pose serious threats to property, life and health. Many of these complex events require coordination with multiple agencies.
Our Mission:
FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland security and responsible for reducing losses of life and property, as well as protecting our institutions against all hazards. We provide leadership and support for the nation's comprehensive, risk based emergency management program. It includes mitigation, preparedness and recovery. Our goal is to make America safer and more resilient.
We are highly responsive and bring together the best from the private, voluntary, and public sectors to plan, prepare for, respond to, and recover after the worst of our nation's catastrophic threats. We are focused on protecting the infrastructure of our country, conserving the environment, and providing access to essential services.
Our Vision
As the nation's leading emergency response and disaster recovery agency, we envision a resilient America where everyone can be safe, secure and self-reliant. Our vision sees all citizens, regardless their income, race, national origin, or gender, having the resources they require to protect themselves, and their communities.
Our Core Values:
As a federal government agency, we are committed to integrity and accountability. We do our best to be transparent and open with the American public, and with all of our partners at every level of government.
Our Vision for the Future
As we lead and support a comprehensive risk-based emergency management system, we strive to reduce the loss of life and property and protect our nation's institutions from all hazards. We seek to revitalize FEMA, develop a more diverse and effective cadre of FEMA managers and employees, and ensure the agency has the resources it needs to meet our nation's evolving disaster challenges.
Our Core Values for Climate Change
FEMA, as the Nation's premier emergency response agency and disaster recovery agency is a key partner for local, state and federal officials in preparing for, responding, and recovering after the most severe impacts of climate change. By working with local officials, FEMA aims to create a safe, resilient, and healthy environment.
FAQ
What is the most important item for survival?
Food is the most vital thing for survival. Shelter from the elements is as important as food. You will not live very long if there isn't enough food.
Why are survival skills essential?
It may not be possible to have food and water at all times, but being prepared can help you live longer.
You have to learn how take care of yourself, and others. You will not be able to handle a crisis if you don’t know how.
You will need to know how to make shelters, light fires, and locate food if you go into the wild.
These are essential skills that every person should have. These skills will enable you to remain safe and sound while camping.
What are some basic survival skills in the wild environment?
If you live off the soil, you must learn how to build a fire. This is more than just lighting a flame. It requires you to learn friction and fluent methods of starting a fire. You should also learn how to avoid burning yourself with the flames.
You need to know how shelter is built from natural materials such leaves, grasses and trees. These materials will help you stay warm at night. And finally, you'll need to know how much water you need to survive.
Other Survival Skills
While these things can help you live longer, they won't be as important as learning how to light a flame. You can eat many kinds of animals and plants, but you won't be capable of cooking them if you don’t know how to start a fire.
It is also important to understand how and where to find food. If you don't know this, you may starve or become sick.
How do I pick the right knife?
It is not easy to choose the right knife for you. There are so numerous brands out there that claim they are the best.
Which one is the best? How do you decide between them?
First, consider what type of tasks your knife will perform.
Do you have the ability to cut wood or skin animals?
Is the knife meant for hunting or fishing? Is it intended for camping cooking, or kitchen cutting?
Will you use it to open cans and bottles? Do you plan to open boxes or packages?
Is your knife strong enough to handle heavy loads?
You might want to clean it after each use. How often are you going to wash it?
Do they need to maintain their edge for a long time?
How to Navigate with or Without a Compass
A compass doesn't tell you where you are going, but it does help you find your way back home if you lose your bearings.
Three different ways you can navigate are available:
-
By landmarks
-
By magnetic North (using a compass)
-
By stars
Landmarks are objects that you recognize when you see them. They can include buildings, trees, rivers, and others. Landmarks provide visual clues to where you live.
Magnetic North simply means the direction where the Earth’s magnetic field points. If you look up at a skyline, you will notice that the sun seems to be moving across it. However, the earth's magnetic field actually causes the sun to move around the earth. The sun appears to move across the sky but it actually moves around the horizon. At noon, the sun is directly overhead. At midnight, the sun will be directly below you. The earth's magnetic field is constantly changing, so the exact direction of the magnetic North pole changes every day. This could mean you can be off-course by quite a bit in one day.
Stars can also be used to navigate. Stars rise and set above the horizon. These are fixed points in time that you can use for determining your location relative others.
What's the difference between a folded knife and a fixed blade knife?
Folding knives are designed to fold compactly to fit inside a pocket or backpack. When not in use the blade folds away.
Fixed-bladed knives can be used during normal use. They have longer blades than those of folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives have a greater durability, but are also more portable.
Statistics
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to Purify Water During Emergency Situations
When natural disasters strike, the most important activity is water purification. Purifying water involves filtering, disinfection and storage. Clean drinking water has saved many lives in times of need. It can also help people recover faster from disasters.
Purified water should be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight. Purified water should not be stored with oxygen. Use plastic bags or bottles if you do not have enough containers. Keep the water chilled at 4°C (40°F). Avoid freezing, as ice crystals might form within the water.
These are the steps to follow when you prepare purified water
-
Boil water in a saucepan until it boils. Use a strainer or a sieve to filter out any impurities.
-
To every 2 gallons, add one teaspoon of the iodine. Before adding the iodine to the mixture, whisk it well.
-
Place the water in a sealed container. Keep the water refrigerated for not more than three days.
-
You should label the container with the date, type and amount of water.
-
Make sure that your water supply has a safe and reliable source!