"Designating these teams now will give state and local officials a chance to plan, train, and exercise with their Federal counterparts before a disaster strikes," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "It is imperative that officials at all levels of government, and able bodied citizens alike, understand emergency management roles and individual responsibilities going into this storm season."
Local governments are traditionally responsible for providing for the safety and security of citizens in advance of a hurricane, including developing emergency plans, determining evacuation routes, providing public transportation for those who are unable to self-evacuate, and setting up and stocking local shelters with relief supplies.
State governments are traditionally responsible for mobilizing the National Guard, pre-positioning certain assets and supplies, and setting up the state's emergency management functions. States are also in charge of requests for Federal support though the formal disaster declaration process.
When requested, the Federal government is responsible for responding to disaster declarations, both during the event and in its aftermath. This can include logistical support for search and rescue, providing food, water and ice, establishing disaster centers and processing Federal disaster claims, and participating in short and long-term public works projects, such as debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding.
