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When Disaster Strikes

Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, many federal, state and local agencies rely upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide an extensive range of expertise:
  • Engineering and construction support
  • Debris management
  • Critical infrastructure assessment
  • Temporary repairs
  • Temporary housing or facilities installation, and 
  • Commodities (typically ice and water) and associated distribution systems assistance.

The Corps stands ready in any disaster to execute a broad portfolio of missions in order to sustain lives, support critical infrastructure needs and set conditions for recovery.

 

Associated Resources

Emergency Management

Emergency Management provides engineering services to respond to national and natural disasters to minimize damages and help in recovery efforts.

Public Law 84-99 enables USACE to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures.

Public Law 93-288 authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to task USACE with disaster recovery missions under the Federal Response Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 How would the Los Angeles District help should a major earthquake or flood occur in this area?
Emergency preparedness and response is primarily a state and local government responsibility. However, in instances where the severity of the event exceeds the response capability of state and local government, the Corps can provide help to save human life, prevent immediate human suffering and property damage.
 What type of assistance can the Corps provide?
At the request of state or local government the Los Angeles District can, under Corps authority, provide technical advice and assistance, undertake emergency repairs to flood control projects, assist in search and rescue operations and furnish equipment for local flood fighting.
 How can I determine if I am located in a flood prone area and subject to major flooding?
Check the FEMA website to find information on flood zones in your area.
 If I have a flooding problem, what should I do?
You should first contact your city or county emergency management officials to determine what type of assistance is available at the local level. They will in turn request assistance from the state if necessary. If the state lacks the resources to correct the emergency, the state can request assistance from the Corps.
 Where can I get flood insurance information?
The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information can be obtained by contacting their Region IX office for California, Nevada and Arizona; and the Region VIII office for Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.
 What type of assistance will the Corps provide in a major disaster?
If a major disaster is declared by the President, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will activate the National Response Framework. Under this plan the Corps is responsible for response and recovery operations for Emergency Support Function #3, Public Works and Engineering. The Los Angeles District would function as project manager under mission assignment from FEMA for debris removal, infrastructure assessment, emergency power, temporary roofing and critical public facility construction.