WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of its ongoing efforts to cultivate public-private partnerships at the state and local level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently launched a new web page for state and local officials and their private sector partners to provide them with resources and the opportunity to share practices and ideas. The goal of the new page, available here, is to build a national resource that will benefit emergency management professionals and their constituents in communities nationwide.
The new Public-Private Partnerships page is just the latest of FEMA's many initiatives to engage the private sector in the nation's preparedness, response, and recovery. The page provides templates and models of successful programs around the country. These partnerships include regional, state and city examples.
"Public-private partnerships are an important tool in increasing preparedness and keeping communities safe," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "No matter how much those of us in government do to prepare, we will only be successful if we engage the private sector as part of the team. By utilizing their established supply networks and services, we can get information and supplies to people quickly and effectively before, during, and after a disaster."
Under Fugate's leadership, FEMA is actively instituting a team approach to emergency management, including not just government, but the private sector, non-profit organizations, and the general public as well. Last year, FEMA added new positions to the Private Sector Division to further engage the private sector as part of the team. Private sector representatives have participated in FEMA exercises, preparedness efforts and operations.
The new web page already includes partnership models contributed by ChicagoFirst, Ill.; San Diego, Calif.; Providence, R.I.; New York City, N.Y.; California; Iowa; Louisiana; Missouri; Utah; Washington; All-Hazards Consortium; Northeast Disaster Recovery Information X-Change; Southeast Emergency Response Network; Ready Campaign; Citizen Corps. We will continue to update the models as submissions arrive.
FEMA created the web page to not only recognize partnerships but also provide tools to establish and strengthen partnerships in communities nationwide. Additional tools include a list of benefits of starting a program, online resources, and information on grants and funding options.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Private Sector Resources Catalog for more information on the full range of tools, training and resources available across DHS.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
