US Civil Defense Structure

US Civil Defense presents a complex of measures providing sufficient protection of population and facilities during the war. In addition civil defense measures are taken to liquidate the effects caused by damages, man-made and natural disasters.

US Civil Defense is introduced in the defense system of the USA, and it is a part of civil government. Civil defense organizations are formed within the governmental system. The President of the USA is responsible for the Civil Defense of the country.

The US Civil Defense consists of Federal, State and local civil defense organizations. All civil defense organizations have their administrations. The central civil defense administration is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) controlled by the Director of FEMA. FEMA was organized as an independent agency on April 1, 1979. After the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, FEMA became a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It happened in 2003.

Some years later, in 2005, the agency became the Federal Emergency Management Agency controlled by the Director of FEMA again. After the Post-Katrina Emergency FEMA remained within DHS as independent element. FEMA’s top official became the principle advisor to the President.

The main mission of FEMA is to provide all possible assistance to State and local civil defense administrations. The mission of State civil defense administrations is to coordinate the actions of local civil defense organizations. The mission of local civil defense administrations is to provide protective and rescue measures in their towns.

Questions to Text A

1. What does the US Civil Defense present?

2. Is US Civil Defense introduced in the defense system of the USA?

3. US Civil Defense is a part of government, isn’t it?

4. Who is responsible for Civil Defense of the USA?

5. What is the structure of Civil Defense of the USA?

6. When was FEMA formed?

7. What is the official name of FEMA?

8. Who controls FEMA’s activity?

9. What is the main mission of FEMA?

10. When did FEMA become a part of DHS?

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