Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell announced on Monday that the agency has rescinded its 2022-2026 strategic plan, which was issued in 2022 under her leadership. This decision comes just weeks before the start of hurricane season, set to begin on June 1.
Overview of the Strategic Plan
The four-year plan outlined goals and objectives for FEMA, including strategies for disaster response and recovery. At the time of its release, Criswell stated that "the new strategic plan will help us better prepare for and respond to disasters."
Current Status
As of now, no new plan has been put into place. A FEMA spokesperson stated that the agency is currently working with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a new strategic plan. The spokesperson added that "the development process is ongoing" but did not provide any further information about when a new plan might be released.
Implications for Hurricane Preparedness
The decision to rescind the existing strategic plan has raised questions about FEMA’s preparedness ahead of hurricane season. While hurricanes are typically most active between August and October, they can occur at any time during the year. Many areas are still recovering from recent natural disasters, such as:
- Tornadoes in Kentucky
- Floods in California’s Central Valley region
Background on Deanne Criswell
Criswell took office in April 2021 after serving as commissioner of New York City’s Office of Emergency Management since January 2016. She was confirmed by the Senate unanimously on March 3.
Previous Experience
Criswell has an extensive background in emergency management, including:
- Director General at U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Task Force Civil Support
- Deputy Chief Operating Officer at U.S. Northern Command
- Various roles with organizations such as:
- American Red Cross
- National Association for Search & Rescue
- National Disaster Medical System
- FEMA Region X
- Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit
- U.S. Army Reserve, where she attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
This background positions her to lead FEMA during critical times, but the lack of a strategic plan raises concerns about the agency’s readiness for upcoming disasters.
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