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FEMA doesn't evacuate communities. FEMA does not do law enforcement. FEMA does not do communications...Many may be surprised to learn that, guess what, FEMA doesn't own fire trucks. We don't own ambulances. We don't own search and rescue equipment. The people of FEMA are being tired of being beat up, and they don't deserve it.

Michael D. Brown#10

FemaCriticismLimitationsLimitsMoralePublic perceptionResources

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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker clarifies FEMA's limited operational scope and defends his staff against public criticism.
In plain terms
FEMA doesn't own trucks or do police work, and the staff is tired of being blamed.
What can you take from it?
Understanding agency limitations is key to evaluating disaster response.

Where it applies

  • public criticism
  • resource disputes
  • agency defense

Putting it to work

  • clarify agency roles
  • protect team morale
  • manage public expectations

Questions to consider

  • What defines an agency's responsibility during a disaster?
  • How should critics view federal limits?

Another view

Clarifying limits may not stop public backlash during visible failures.

More from Michael D. Brown

  1. I've overseen over 150 presidentially declared disasters. I know what I'm doing, and I think I do a pretty darn good job of it.

    Permalink to quote #9

  2. I don't mind the negative press. Well, actually, I do, but I try to ignore it. But it is really wearing out the family.

    Permalink to quote #11

  3. I very strongly personally regret that I was unable to persuade Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin to sit down and get over differences and work together. I just …

    Permalink to quote #8

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