NCJ Number
131731
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 13 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1990) Pages: 441-446
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The responsibilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the event of a catastrophic terrorist incident are explored through a power outage emergency simulation exercise.
Abstract
Participants in the simulation games were various Federal, State, local, and public utility organizations. The simulation game focused on issues of national importance, the issues faced in restoration of power, the prerogatives of State and local governments as well as Federal responsibilities, the need to determine and prioritize requirements, and the ability of major financial and securities institutions to continue operations. The major outcome of the exercise was the awareness of the multitude of problems that required attention during such an emergency. Specific conclusions drawn from this game were the necessity for coordination among government agencies, the need for a public affairs agency, coordination of response organizations for meeting the emergency needs, and more simulation games for practice. The FEMA role in planning, in responding and providing assistance to victims of disaster, and in developing the emergency management capabilities serve as a focal point for the integration of various governmental and private sector agencies into a coherent and coordinated response entity.