Public Safety

Public safety in the United States focuses on protecting people from crime, terrorism, disasters, and emerging threats. This includes securing the internet’s physical backbone beneath the ocean (How the U.S. Secures the Internet’s Physical Backbone Under the Ocean) and investigating domestic terror plots targeting local communities (FBI Stopped an ISIS Plot at an Indiana High School. Here’s How Domestic Terror Investigations Work.). The federal government, states, and local partners collaborate to prevent harm, respond to emergencies, and help individuals recover.

Disaster Response and FEMA’s Role

A major part of disaster response involves the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When a disaster is declared, FEMA appoints a Federal Coordinating Officer to establish a Joint Field Office and lead response actions in support of states and local jurisdictions. Response is organized under the National Response Framework, while recovery follows the National Disaster Recovery Framework. FEMA opens recovery centers in impacted areas to provide information on aid programs and connect survivors with resources. Eligible individuals can apply for assistance through disasterassistance.gov, the FEMA app, or at a recovery center.