Emergency Work: Saving Lives, Property, and Infrastructure After Disasters

Following a disaster, immediate action is crucial. FEMA's Public Assistance program recognizes this through "Emergency Work" funding, which supports essential activities undertaken before, during, and after an incident.

What is Emergency Work?

Emergency Work encompasses the immediate actions taken to:

• Protect Lives and Public Health:  Eliminate or reduce immediate threats to life, public health, or safety.
• Prevent Further Damage:  Minimize the risk of significant additional damage to public or private property in a cost-effective manner.

Examples of Emergency Work Activities:

• Emergency Protective Measures: This includes tasks such as transporting and pre-positioning resources, flood fighting, ensuring emergency access for responders, and providing medical care and transportation to those in need.
• Evacuation and Sheltering:  Moving people to safe locations and providing temporary housing after a disaster.
• Safety Measures: Performing safety inspections, removing animal carcasses, demolishing unstable structures, and implementing security measures after a disaster.
• Search and Rescue: Locating and rescuing people in distress.
• Firefighting:  Extinguishing fires and mitigating fire hazards.
• Public Communication:  Disseminating vital information to the public during and after a disaster.
• Human Remains:  Proper storage and interment of human remains.

The Goal of Emergency Work:

The primary purpose of Emergency Work is to:

• Eliminate or Lessen Immediate Threats:  Address the most pressing dangers posed by the disaster.
• Restore Functionality:  Restore the damaged facilities, infrastructure, or property to their pre-disaster design and function as much as possible.

Timeline for Completion:

Generally, Emergency Work must be completed within 6 months of the disaster declaration date. However, extensions may be granted by the Recipient (usually the state) or FEMA under specific circumstances.

Understanding Emergency Work is essential for:

• Government Agencies and Organizations:  Applying for FEMA Public Assistance funding to reimburse costs associated with these vital activities.
• Citizens:  Being aware of the crucial role Emergency Work plays in disaster response and recovery efforts within their communities.

By prioritizing Emergency Work, communities can initiate the recovery process swiftly, minimizing further damage and prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens.

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