I know this might send some heads for a spin based on the title, but please bear with me.
I am proposing a complete restructuring of FEMA’s scope of responsibilities and authority in times of disaster. With this being said, folding the CDC into the scope and purview of FEMA. The main two points as two the “why” is simple:
- The CDC’s purview is through the application of health protocols and disease prevention methods to avert a health crisis or to mitigate an existing health threat to the populous.
- FEMA is present to mitigate and repair en masse through surveying disaster zones, providing for disaster relief, and assist in the reconstructive efforts post-disaster period.
This proposal serves to streamline the process of recovery, encourage and education agenda on disaster relief and preventative planning post-disaster, introducing direct health-care support to existing emergency services and ensuring training in-field of volunteers pre-, during, and post-disaster relief.
The primary restructuring of FEMA internally would include trimming redundant administrative positions, stream-lining procedural practices and changing scope of approach with public relations.
- Through trimming the “fat” of administrative bloating, removing redundant positions that can be easily folded and shared amongst equal level positions. The process is meant to ensure the saying “many hands make idle work” does not apply when the situation calls for maximum efficiency. Having a set criterion of chain-of-command structuring for disaster situations ensures that tasks are accomplished in an appropriate efficient manner.
- In tandem with the trimming of bloated processes, streamlining the processes of work orders, removing unneeded red tape for budget line-item purchases, and ensuring proper build-up of medical, construction, food and other logistic items are properly maintained for multiple yearly events in strategic locations throughout the US.
- When it comes to public relations, this will take a multi-vectored approach. One is forewarning educational materials readily available for all citizens in disaster prone areas. This details simplistic and concise information of contact information of relevant agencies to be involved, discussing emergency procedures for evacuations including what /whatnot to bring, emergency rations and supplies. shelter-in-place protocols, and ideal routes of escape based on sector locations within a region or local area. Create two separate communication lines, to receive updates of emergency and disaster zones through telecommunication (automated calls/texts) and email; these will be methods to be sign-up for, not a forced method of one-way communications.
The funding of this portion would be taking various unnecessary programs and using those funds to hire, train and utilize veterans in a transition to those who are seeking job placements. This also speaks to address issues of homelessness, reintegration back into society and ensuring that they are looked after (pilot program for veteran work-placement?).
The second part of FEMA restructuring is the integration of the CDC 's entire organization into FEMA’s organizational umbrella. Part of this process is to ensure a faster response to potential crisis and apply preventative measures in disaster zones. Through the process the CDC will also be restructured to get rid of unnecessary administrative positions and expedite laboratory management and testing processes.
There are two separate organizations with which provide for ample manpower and expertise necessary for surveying, construction and reconstructive efforts. The Army Corp of Engineers is a substantially effective arm of the DOD that allows for means for these efforts to return communities to near outcomes of pre-disaster status quo. These efforts can further then be supplemented with volunteers from Americorps to assist after receiving multiple types of year around training.