Disaster Response Infrastructure

Disaster relief is complicated because there are so many agencies involved. In addition to the multiplicity of agencies, there are also different time frames in which these agencies are involved. This section seeks to clarify exactly what each agency does and when they do it.

Principles of Disaster Response

Because disasters are unpredictable, and one disaster is rarely similar to another, the golden rule in disaster response protocol is flexibility. Because of this, it is difficult to lay out a timeline during a disaster. Yet, these basic principles can help map out what happens during a disaster:

1) Disaster response must be flexible

2) Disasters begin and end locally

3) Disasters should be managed at the lowest possible level

Determining Scope of Response

When a disaster occurs, the local jurisdiction first assesses the magnitude of the disaster and decides whether or not it needs outside resources. If it does, it first goes to the Regional Mutual Aid Coordinator which can send resources across jurisdictional lines. Next it looks for resources within its State Disaster District, and finally calls upon state resources. The governor then decides whether or not to provide resources.

If the disaster is widespread, the governor can request federal assistance. If the president declares it a national disaster, FEMA can be brought in. If FEMA gets involved, they become the lead organization although it usually defers major decisions to the state government. Typically, the local jurisdiction makes the decisions; the state provides the resources and coordination; and FEMA provides additional.

Timeline of Response

The lead agency (either FEMA or the State) determines the different resources necessary. First a decision is made regarding the necessity to evacuate. In Texas while the state can recommend evacuations, the official decision is left to the local jurisdiction. Once an evacuation order is in place, the state (through the Department of Public Safety) ensures that the evacuations occur peaceably using police forces at both the state and local level.

States can also choose to bring the National Guard for additional assistance. Similarly, the local jurisdiction can order a search and rescue but the state performs the search and rescue missions. Furthermore, the state coordinates the “point to point” system which determines where evacuees go. For each city that needs to evacuate, there is a pre-established evacuation city or cities. The state also coordinates the different voluntary organizations involved in disaster relief, like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Southern Baptist Men, etc. These state-wide organizations then coordinate with their regional offices.

If an evacuation has been ordered, voluntary organizations are often the ones responsible for organizing evacuee shelters (the Red Cross), Disaster Recovery Centers (the Red Cross), and distributing food and water (the Red Cross and Salvation Army). Recovery As soon as immediate response actions (like search and rescue) are no longer necessary, the regional VOAD’s take over and begin conducting the coordination calls. These calls remain on a state-wide level and determine the needs of the region.

The state, meanwhile, continues to coordinate certain activities like monitoring energy companies and the status of power within affected areas. FEMA provides expertise on how to create and effectively use Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC). FEMA also provides debris removal and coordinates disaster recovery centers (DRCs). These Centers provide immediate needs and once those responsibilities are exhausted, the DRCs allow people to file claims for public assistance and FEMA sends out inspectors. Simultaneously, the state begins coordinating a case management program. The federal government provides funds for this program and the state awards an organization to bring in case workers.

As soon as immediate response actions (like search and rescue) are no longer necessary, the regional VOAD’s take over and begin conducting the coordination calls. These calls remain on a state-wide level and determine the needs of the region. The state, meanwhile, continues to coordinate certain activities like monitoring energy companies and the status of power within affected areas. FEMA also provides debris removal and coordinates disaster recovery centers (DRC’s). These Centers provide immediate needs and once those responsibilities are exhausted, the DRC’s allow people to file claims for public assistance and FEMA sends out inspectors. On a community level, the state begins coordinating a case management program. The federal government provides funds for this program and the state chooses an organization to bring in case workers.

Then, Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC’s) begin to take shape. LTRC’s are responsible for combining community resources and addressing any unmet needs. They also work with case managers to help close their cases. FEMA provides expertise on how to create these LTRC’s.

Responsibilities at each level

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