Which agency is primarily responsible for coordinating national emergency management efforts?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the agency primarily responsible for coordinating national emergency management efforts in the United States. FEMA's core mission involves preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of disasters and emergencies. This includes natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, and man-made events, such as terrorist attacks.

FEMA operates under the Department of Homeland Security and plays a crucial role in fostering a coordinated approach among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private sector partners and nonprofit organizations. The agency provides resources, training, and support to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities nationwide.

Coordination of national emergency management efforts involves integrating various resources, ensuring efficient communication, and applying best practices across different jurisdictions. This is essential for effective disaster response and recovery, which is central to FEMA’s objectives. Other agencies, while they provide valuable support in specific areas—such as health, safety, or global health crises—do not have the same breadth of responsibility and focus on disaster management as FEMA does.