THE FEDERAL CIVIL DEFENSE ACT OF 1950, AS AMENDED
Public Law 920-81st Congress
(50 usc App. 2251-2297)
The primary goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to protect lives and reduce property loss from disasters and emergencies. To accomplish this, FEMA works with state and local
governments to help them deliver better, more effective emergency management services across the whole spectrum of hazards—both natural and man-made.
Regardless of the type, size, or severity of an emergency, certain basic capabilities are needed for an effective response: evacuation, shelter, communications, direction and control, continuity of government, resource management, law and order, and food and medical supplies. FEMA developed its Integrated Emergency Management System to focus efforts on building these and other generic capabilities needed
to cope with a wide range of hazards. This publication provides basic preparedness guidance combined with specific measures useful in national security emergencies.