fema in the news
I have to say that it is pretty unusual for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be in the news as much as it has been—without a major disaster happening.
There are several items that caught my attention.
As part of the cuts to FEMA staff, the section that had the mission of helping smaller jurisdictions apply for Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities (BRIC) was eliminated. I’ve written previously about the complexities of applying for this grant. I called attention to the fact these small communities don’t necessarily have the talent, staff and capabilities to be successful in making an application. So, yes—the taxpayers of the nation are saving a few dollars, but the rural areas of the nation—that likely voted for the administration are losing out.
Then there is the notice I saw that FEMA has been directed not to submit any information on how to improve building codes in order to enhance disaster resilience. I think the real issue is that the submission would be going to the International Building Code. You will note that the new administration is withdrawing from any organization that has an “international” mission. If it was the “American Building Code” maybe it would be allowed.
Lastly, on social media I’ve seen much discussion about a memo the Acting FEMA Administrator sent out to all FEMA employees, forbidding them from talking to the media. Does he have the authority to do this? Yes—he does! What are they afraid of? All the negative feedback that is creeping out into the media from federal employees, including FEMA. I guess, I’m thinking that “you reap what you sow!”
On another note, I’ll share a Napoleon quote with you, “The moral [morale] is to the physical as 3 is to 1.” Poor morale, which is at the bottom in FEMA, does have an impact. No matter how committed you are to the mission of serving citizens and disaster resilience.
