What is the Difference Between FEMA and Homeland Security?

FEMA is a federal agency within the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The FEMA administrator reports directly to the DHS Secretary. The administrator also has a direct line of access to the U.S. President during periods of disaster response.

FEMA is comprised of:

• Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where the Office of the Administrator and various program offices are located.
• Ten regional offices that work directly with states, territories and tribes.
• Field offices that manage disaster response and recovery in disaster locations.
• Various warehouses and staging areas throughout the country.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we have 10 regional offices located across the country. We leverage a tremendous capacity to coordinate within the federal government to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters.

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Mission, Values and History

Our Mission

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters, and our core values and goals help us achieve it.

Strategic Plan

The goals and objectives laid out in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan will help ensure success for our agency, the emergency management community, and those we serve. The Plan outlines three bold, ambitious goals to meet this challenge:

 

• Instill equity as a foundation of emergency management
• Lead whole of community in climate resilience
• Promote and sustain a ready FEMA and prepared nation

Core Values

The core values that guide our agency can be found in our capstone doctrine, “We Are FEMA”. Helps us understand our role in the emergency management community and gives our agency direction in how we conduct ourselves each day.

 

History of FEMA

FEMA was officially created in 1979 through an executive order by President Jimmy Carter. Our history can be traced as far back as 1803. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security.

 

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HLS.Today Source: FEMA.GOV