The FRP, first published in 1992 and recently updated, has been used in the past several years to respond to numerous disasters and emergencies declared by the President, including the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, as well as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. The Plan brings together twenty-six Federal departments and agencies and the American Red Cross to organize Federal disaster response and recovery efforts and coordinate them with an affected State. Most importantly, it provides a known and flexible framework under which local, State and Federal officials can orchestrate their response to a disaster or emergency and make the most effective use of all available resources. FEMA also has developed a special annex to the Plan to address the unique requirements involved in responding to a terrorist incident. Needs of the balance of the nation, particularly local jurisdictions beyond the largest cities and metro areas, are addressed with plans, training, exercises and equipment.
Initial training is reinforced and sustained with refresher information and updated instruction.
FEMA Director Witt has been working closely with the Attorney General to better coordinate the interagency efforts for domestic preparedness. The Attorney General has noted on several occasions that the Federal Government must be a full partner in the effort to train and equip first responders and other emergency personnel to do the job right. We fully support that notion. It is especially encouraging to note that our State and local partners will be represented in the NDPO, along with FEMA and key Federal agencies. With the creation of NDPO, FEMA will continue its lead agency responsibilities for consequence management.