DomPrep has divided the 34 minute interview into 4 segments.
Audio Segment One: A Former FEMA Director’s Overview
The need to view emergency management as a state/local/federal partnership. Thoughts on how preparedness programs can break the costly damage/repair cycle to disaster management. The significance of the shift of training and exercise programs from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to FEMA.
Duration: 11 Minutes 47 Seconds
Audio Segment Two: Thoughts on Katrina Recovery Operations
The need to streamline the process for documentation and reimbursement in recovery services contracts. The need to include Red Cross chapters in planning, especially with regard to evacuation sheltering. The case for reimbursing non-governmental organizations (NGOs). California’s volunteer pre-credentialing program with Cal State as a model for managing human resources in disaster response and recovery.
Duration: 7 Minutes 33 Seconds
Audio Segment Three: FEMA Reorganization
Why FEMA should be a cabinet-level agency with its own budget authority. How transferring greater authority to the ten FEMA regional offices will help rebuild partnerships with the states.
Duration: 7 Minutes 47 Seconds
Audio Segment Four: The National Response Plan
The need to preserve state/local leadership in disaster management, and why FEMA should be the lead federal agency of choice. Thoughts about the government’s role in creating a market for catastrophic insurance.
For more information visit www.protectingamerica.org
Duration: 7 Minutes 11 Seconds
Listen on
John F. Morton
John F. Morton is the Strategic Advisor for DomPrep. He is also the Homeland Security Team Lead for the Project on National Security Reform (PNSR). A member of the DomPrep team since its founding, he has served as managing editor for writer assignments and interviewer for scores of DomPrep audio interviews.
James Lee Witt
James Lee Witt is executive chairman of Witt O’Brien’s, a disaster response and crisis management consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.. Previously, he was the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under President William J. Clinton. He is also the co-chair of ProtectingAmerica.org.
