Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has over 20000 employees nationwide. Our headquarters is located in Washington D.C. and we have 10 regional offices nationwide. We utilize the enormous coordination capabilities within the federal government to ensure that the United States has the ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.

FEMA's mission is to provide assistance to people before, during, and after disasters, and our core values and goals help us achieve this goal.

Strategic Plan

The goals and objectives outlined in the 2022-2026 strategic plan will help ensure the success of our institution, emergency management community, and the people we serve. The plan outlines three bold and ambitious goals to address this challenge:

1. Instilling fairness as the foundation of emergency management

2. Lead the climate adaptation capacity of the entire community

3. Promote and maintain a prepared Federal Emergency Management Agency and a prepared nation

Core values

The core values that guide our institution can be found in our capstone principle 'We are FEMA' or publication one (Pub 1).

Pub 1 helps us understand our role in the emergency management community and provides daily behavioral guidance for our institution.

History of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA was officially established in 1979 by executive order of President Jimmy Carter. Our history can be traced back to 1803.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA was merged into the Department of Homeland Security. Learn more about our history.