The American Public Works Association (APWA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promote emergency preparedness between the two organizations.
“With this MOU, APWA and FEMA formalize their on-going relationship that has always been mutually beneficial in serving the public,” APWA CEO Scott D. Grayson, Calif.E, said today following the signing of the memorandum at FEMA headquarters. “The memorandum, highlights the fact that public works professionals are first responders who work hand-in-hand with FEMA and other emergency workers to get communities back on their feet after disasters.”
It outlines several objectives where FEMA and APWA jointly agree, such as:
Cooperate to educate the American public and other organizations on disaster preparedness with emphasis on implementing effective prevention and mitigation measures;
Cooperate to understand the needs of local public works emergency professionals and how to best prepare them to serve the community; and
Cooperate to provide materials or services for mitigation and preparedness for natural disasters, including informational reports, checklists, training guidelines, and other communications and coordination tools.
According to the MOU, “Public works is ready to perform properly when disaster strikes (preparedness) and to serve as an essential member of a community's team of first responders once hazardous events take place (response).”
“Through joint activities, APWA and FEMA will assist public works emergency professionals to successfully manage the public works infrastructure and facilities and ensure livable communities,” the memorandum says. “And through embracing new and emerging practices and technologies, APWA and FEMA will capitalize on opportunities to improve services today and in the future."
The memorandum also outlines areas that FEMA and APWA agree to separately, such as sharing FEMA messaging and information and contributing emergency management articles for APWA’s Reporter magazine.
The memorandum began on Sept. 21 and expires in 2025.
