Volcanic Eruption Serves as a Wakeup Call for FEMA

By Tara Coyle

The Peanut Gallery

on Homeland Security:

Will the volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung give Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the drive to separate from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or will it strengthen the hold of the DHS? Since the founding of FEMA, dating back to 1803, its reputation has been far from spot free. With its piece meal approach to natural disasters, it was highly criticized for its lack of game plans and experience.

As time passed, its purpose became more specific, and guidelines for dealing with not only natural disasters but aftermath as well, were set. Unfortunately those reforms were proven to be far from sufficient when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. FEMA lacked not only a proper plan, but also insufficient resources and communication. This led to chaos far beyond the means of FEMA. The hurricane seemed to be the tipping point for the organization, and ultimately led to a lack of faith.



With the volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the horrors of a natural disaster were once again brought to attention of the United States as well as the rest of the world. Unfortunately, a natural disaster isn’t the only fear for the people of the United States; the ills of the FEMA organization are also highlighted. A disaster can hit the United States at any time. The issue at hand is whether the United States is ready and prepared in case disaster strikes again.

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the Department of Homeland Security had regulated FEMA for the past two years. Once a private organization, it was still new to the idea of being connected to something much bigger. The relationship still lacked efficient communication. FEMA failed to act accordingly with its lack of evacuation routes, communication, and training. This lacking approach, led to more controversy regarding the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.

Many conservatives view the relationship between The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA as very beneficial. The resources that the Department of Homeland Security can offer FEMA give the nation the best chance in preventing many of the damages of natural disasters. Once communication is better established, they can form a powerhouse that can combine the protection against natural security as well as terrorism. They also advocate that FEMA lower their spending cap in an appropriate and logical approach. They propose the idea that local and state governments should handle the issues of natural disasters. When the disasters prove to be too much to handle, then FEMA can intervene at the federal level. There is no need to tax people for a natural disaster across the nation, when where they are living is safe.

On the Liberal side, many advocate that FEMA remain a part of the Department of Homeland Security, but some believe it should be its own independent organization. Thus separating itself from the organization that gives it strength. The majority wants FEMA to stay the same or even expand in size. Thus pouring more money into a failing system. They also propose the idea of remaining at a national level instead of focusing on the state and local levels. Giving more control to the government to make sure that all taken care of and given aid. This makes sure that people who cannot afford to help themselves are looked after.

With the fear of natural disaster floating amidst the United States, action needs to be taken in regards to FEMA. Whether it means splitting from the Department of Natural Security or remaining under its protective and guiding wing, only time will tell.