Jeffrey Rouse
Deputy Leader for FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Operations Functional Group - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Evolving Frameworks in Disaster Response: A Comparative Analysis of Key U.S. Entities
The landscape of disaster response in the United States has evolved significantly, reflecting a growing complexity in roles, responsibilities, and interagency collaboration. This presentation explores the changing approaches to disaster response, focusing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System, the State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR), and State Emergency Management Agencies.
The session begins by examining FEMA’s US&R Response System, highlighting its federally coordinated, resource-intensive operations tailored for large-scale, multi-jurisdictional incidents. It contrasts this with SUSAR, a coalition of state-driven US&R teams emphasizing regional collaboration, scalability, and flexibility to address localized needs. Finally, the discussion turns to State Emergency Management Agencies, which are pivotal in coordinating statewide preparedness, response, and recovery efforts while bridging local jurisdictions and federal resources.
Through case studies and comparative analysis, attendees will gain insights into how these entities interact, their evolving responsibilities in the context of climate change and increasing disaster frequency, and the importance of aligning resources and strategies to create a cohesive national response framework. This presentation aims to equip emergency managers and responders with a deeper understanding of these systems, fostering enhanced collaboration and efficiency in future disaster scenarios.