ABSTRACT
Numerous changes have occurred in Federal emergency management-related legislation and published planning guidance over the last two decades. Often these changes occurred in response to major events such as the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, or other incidents that demonstrated gaps and shortfalls in existing authorities, coordinating mechanisms, resources, and doctrine. This chapter presents the results of a review of almost 200 DHS, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal emergency management-related publications, Government Accounting Office and Congressional Research Service reports, emergency management -related journal articles, and press reports. Doctrine before and after 9/11, as well as post-Hurricane Katrina are discussed, to show how and why changes have occurred. Presidential Decision Declarations, National-level plans, National Incident Management System/Incident Command System, and planning guidance are reviewed and summarized. The chapter concludes with a detailed review of where things stand currently, in terms of doctrine, organization of and cooperation between government agencies at all levels, response teams, and other supporting entities, and the resources now available in the field of emergency management.
