Words you might not hear often about FEMA


By SB Anderson

How about “effective and efficient.” Or “well-prepared.” And “innovative solutions” along with “quickly resolved.”

Those are pulled directly from a report summary e-mailed today by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector general, which reviewed FEMA’s response to Hurricane Isaac last year in Louisiana and found it to be pretty darned good.

Summary: In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac there was widespread flood damage in low lying areas, impacting 15 parishes. As a result, FEMA recommended and the President declared an emergency in 15 parishes and later declared a major disaster, clearing the way for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.

WE determined FEMA’s overall response to Hurricane Isaac was effective and efficient. Since FEMA had established facilities and staff in Louisiana, when Hurricane Isaac made landfall, it was well-prepared, faced challenges with innovative solutions, and quickly resolved resource shortfalls.

Here’s the full report (PDF).