funding for disasters. An example of this is the Corona Virus, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This law provided trillions of dollars to reduce the spread of Covid‐19, support health care providers and provide a stimulus to Americans who had lost incomes due to the shutdown of the economy. Of course, the President is also of paramount importance in approving legislation that proposed to shape disaster response and recovery operations. The President plays an pivotal role in affirming relief assistance for disaster affected communities. The large number of agencies and officials involved in disaster response and recovery operations indicates that the federal government is a major player in emergency management activities.
For Example
FEMA AmeriCorps Teams
In September 2013, heavy rains caused flooding over 2,000 square miles in 17 Colorado counties. Over 15,000 homes were damaged and nearly 2,000 homes were completely destroyed. To address the needs of disaster victims, FEMA deployed 30 AmeriCorps Teams (which are affiliated with the U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service). These groups, comprised of over 240 members, included recent college graduates who want to make a difference while gaining additional experience and credentials. The young, energetic individuals performed a variety of tasks including mass care, assistance at evacuation sites and sheltering locations, and donation staging and distribution. They also mudded and gutted flooded homes and moved over 1.2 million pounds of furniture. The involvement of AmeriCorps cuts federal disaster costs and helps thousands of victims in need (Figure 2‐5).
Figure 2‐5 FEMA Corps members arriving in Jamestown, CO, on October 2, 2013. These government representatives went door to door to make sure residents were aware of the availability of federal disaster assistance. Michael Rieger/FEMA.
2.1.5 Tribal Government
In addition to local, state and federal government entities, there are also tribal governments that are involved in emergency management. A tribal government is “an Indian or Alaska Native tribe that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994” (FEMA 2012). In the United States, there are 564 federally recognized tribes, and they have their own unique history, customs, language and laws. Furthermore, each tribe has a unique relationship to the federal government. On the one hand, each Indian Tribe is considered an independent nation. Indian tribes are, in essence, a separate country within the boundaries of U.S. territory. On the other hand, the Indian tribe is somewhat like a state in that it may now receive funding directly from the federal government. In other words, federal emergency management assistance can now bypass the state in which the tribe resides and go directly to those affected by a disaster. Some tribal governments therefore have more developed emergency management programs than others. Those working in emergency management should make extra efforts to work with Indian tribes, based on the tribe’s level of interest and needs. Julie Maldonado of the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network reminds us of an important point and principle: Indian Tribes are not necessarily “stakeholders;” they are more appropriately recognized as “rights holders.” This suggests that Indian Tribes have autonomy and sovereignty in controlling their land and self‐determination. Those working in emergency management should remember this essential admonition.
For Example
Tribal Governments and Federal Aid
The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA) amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) so federally recognized Indian tribal governments have the option to request a presidential emergency through normal channels or make major disaster declarations independently of the state in which they reside. A chief executive of a federally recognized tribal government may request that the president declare an emergency or major disaster for the tribal government or consider it as part of a state’s declaration request.
Self‐Check
What are the different sectors that are involved in disaster response and recovery?
What does the local government do when disaster strikes?
How can the state help the emergency manager deal with disaster?
Why is the federal government a major player in recovery operations?
What are the major agencies involved in the National Response Framework and the National Disaster Recovery Framework?
What makes tribal government unique from federal and state governments?
2.2 The Private Sector
As an emergency manager, you should understand that businesses will be affected by disasters and that they will consequently be involved in response and recovery operations (Flynn 2007; Webb, Tierney and Dahlhamer 2000). Naturally, the first priority of any business is to seek profit through commerce of various types, and this can sometimes complicate broader post‐disaster priorities and actions (Birkland and Nath 2000). On many occasions, those in the private sector will operate independently in disasters, only taking care of their own interests and needs (Marwitz et. al. 2008; Sanchez, Korbin and Viscarra 1995; Frost 1994). However, companies do play important and varied roles after disasters. At times, the private sector will help the community to address disaster impacts and it may be a unique asset for those working in emergency management (US Senate 2005; McEntire et. al., 2003). The responsibilities of the private sector are broad and range from emergency medical care to reporting and the settlement of insurance claims.
2.2.1 Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Risk Management
As noted, companies often help others affected by disasters. But, before they can assist others, businesses must first understand that crisis events will often affect and disrupt their own commercial activities (Lindstrom, Samuelsson and Hagerfors 2010; Urakawa and Hayashi 2010). For instance, an industrial plant can be destroyed by a chemical explosion/fire. A bank cannot issue loans if computer records are lost due to a power or network outage. A construction company will not function if its employees cannot be contacted and told if they should report for work. Consequently, some companies may hire emergency managers – particularly those that manufacturer, store and ship hazardous materials. However, more common titles for these employees include business continuity planners, disaster recovery specialists and risk managers.
Businesses hire continuity planners who identify what should be done to prepare for crises, emergencies and disasters (Dunaway and Shaw 2010; Rapaport and Kirschenbaum 2008; Paton 1999). These individuals develop continuity plans which identify ways to reestablish facilities and ensure business transactions can continue when disaster strikes. Exxon/Mobil, Raytheon, Marriott, Target and many others have business continuity programs that can be activated in time of disaster.
Some of the other related employees in the private sector are disaster recovery specialists. In the business world, these individuals are concerned about the performance of information technology (e.g., computers, networks, and data storage equipment and facilities, etc.). The continuity of electronic records is of paramount importance to large
