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FEMA and IAEM Reminder!

2010 Jan 13 Posted by Mark

While I am sure most of you already know this information I felt I should post anyway. This is a reminder that self deployment to a disaster is strongly discouraged!!! Those who self deploy often become the disaster after the disaster and often take valuable resources from those that desperately need it. The proceeding e-mail came from FEMA today via the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM);

FEMA message follows:
From FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino:
Initial reports from Haiti in the wake of yesterday’s earthquake are concerning and troubling. During times like these, the emergency response community always stands ready to assist those in need.

On behalf of FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, I’d like to remind our response community that assets should not self deploy to affected areas. The United States Department of State and USAID have the lead for foreign disaster assistance, and US assets should deploy only if tasked to do so by the State Department or USAID. The most urgent need that the response community can fulfill at this time is supporting ongoing disaster relief fundraising efforts.

We will continue to update guidance as the situation unfolds. Thank you for your support.

Alison Schwartz
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
202-646-7906 Direct

January 13, 2010 | Filed under: Uncategorized
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3 Responses to “FEMA and IAEM Reminder!”

Scot Reeves, RN, MS Says:

I can understand the frustration of skilled medical technicians must feel when they see pictures and videos of the devastation and needs of the people of Haiti. When I had the pleasure of being in class, I was able to tell of many encounters of past experiences regarding my personal skills; 30 years as a Paramedic and Nurse and now with a completed Master’s Degree in Disaster Management! What I have learned is if everyone who is not attached to deploy just packed up and went down there, even though they may have skills desperately needed,they would exponentially add to the chaos that must already exist. There would be no management, direction, or leadership of all these ‘independents’ running around. I will sit here and assist as I can and as a result I will add to our own Hospital’s Contingency Plans; that is how I can help the best right now. Thank you Dr. Joe.

January 14th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Steph Says:

Mark, this is very important information that should be seen widely. Could you also post it in the Public Service Professionals group discussion section on iGuide 3. Thanks! Steph

January 14th, 2010 at 2:37 pm

Steve Says:

I couldn’t agree more. Lets organizations like FEMA, USAID, etc take the lead… We can help in many other ways without deploying and adding to the chaos!

Check out http://www.worldgrocer.com its a great way to send needed to supplies. They carry MRE’s, canned water, survival kits etc. Its a great way to feel apart of a relief effort and support our professionals.

January 20th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

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