BOTHELL, Wash. – Idaho is now one of 10 states to have FEMA staff assigned to its emergency management agency. The FEMA Integration Team (FIT) will provide technical and training assistance on FEMA’s programs and continuous on-site support to the state.
While FEMA works closely with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management through its regional office in Bothell, Wash., co-locating staff is a new initiative for the agency.
“Having FEMA staff co-located with Idaho will allow us to support each other in the day-to-day furthering the culture of preparedness,” said Regional Administrator Mike O’Hare. “Providing this support will also enhance our ability to support effective response and recovery from major disasters.”
“By having the FEMA Integration Team on-site, working side-by-side with the IOEM team, we can better prepare and coordinate for potential disaster events and improve our coordination across all programs,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Office of Emergency Management.
FIT is currently in Phase I, standing up 10 teams across the U.S. Phase II will expand FITs to include up to 34 partners across all 10 regions. Phase III will reach full operating capability with FITs embedded in partner offices throughout the nation.
The 2017 disaster season was historic for federal disaster response and recovery, with 59 major disaster declarations and 16 emergency declarations across 34 states and four tribes. As these disasters have transitioned into longer term recovery, FEMA and its partners are working to increase capabilities and build resilience to fulfill our mission to help people before, during, and after disasters.
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FEMA's mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters.