General Info

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a former independent agency that became part of the new Department of Homeland Security in 2003 is responsible for responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters. The agency advises on building codes and flood plain management. The agency is also responsible for teaching people how to get through a disaster and coordinating the federal response to a disaster. Federal Emergency Management Agency has more than 2,500 full time employees. The agency works in partnership with other organizations that are part of the nation's emergency management system. These partners include state and local emergency management agencies, federal agencies and the American Red Cross. Headquartered in Washington D.C., the agency has regional and area offices throughout the country including the Chicago office. Federal Emergency Management Agency also has nearly 5,000 standby disaster assistance employees who are available for deployment after disasters.