FEMA has evolved into the organization it is today as a result of the Federal government's response to such historically significant events as the Three Mile Island accident, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the terrorist attacks of September 11th, and Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

For example, the terrorist attacks of September 11th spurred passing of the Homeland Security Act (HSA), the various Homeland Security Presidential Directives, and the NIMS. Hurricane Katrina spurred the creation and passing of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA). Hurricane Sandy triggered the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA).

Thus, various documents—national doctrines, policies, and procedures—have been developed to help FEMA use its resources more effectively and efficiently.

Select this link to learn more about FEMA’s Statutory Authorities (https://www.fema.gov/about-agency).