Question

When a major crisis happens in the U.S., local agencies are the first to respond. What can the federal government do to assist these local agencies in preparedness?

Answer 1

The federal government can help the local and state agencies in the following ways:

1. Assess existing preparedness plans and validate it against the benchmark set as per standards across the world
2. Assess existing capabilities of the local and state agencies when faced with a crisis
3. Improve existing preparedness plans by identifying loopholes and possible risk areas
4. Improve existing capabilities by providing adequate training opportunities
5. Identify alternatives and solutions to the risk areas by providing financial and talented manpower support
6. Incorporate avenues that aid in quick recovery and reconstruction wherever necessary
7. Make communication effective, swift and efficient between state and federal agencies
8. Make use of cutting edge technological advancements to stay coordinated and on top of things at all times
9. Create clear organizational roles and responsibilities to manage funds and volunteers
10. Have mock projects that help in assessing improvement methods implemented
11. Provide technical assistance wherever required and keep local agencies engaged in improvements
12. Ensure that lifelines - such as medical and basic needs can be tended to when there is an emergency