Michael Brown: Hurricane Maria highlights lack of long-term planning in disaster relief

The federal government is, by nature and design, inefficient. An example of this inefficiency is the general lack of long-term strategic planning. Yes, there are pockets throughout the federal government where programs are strictly focused on planning for more than the next fiscal year. But overall the federal government continues to operate on continuing resolutions for budgetary matters. It is generally loathed to commit resources and money to concepts that would reduce government expenditures over the long run. 

One example of a cost-effective, efficient long-term strategy is the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Strategic National Stockpile. This revolving stockpile of life-saving medical supplies and drugs is housed in various secure undisclosed locations to be drawn upon in the event of a national public health emergency. Having seen one of these strategically-placed warehouses I would assert it is an example of how long-term strategic planning can reduce costs responding to a national emergency. 

{mosads}Another example of this kind of planning, but one which needs to be expanded, is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Task Force Equipment cache. These caches are designed to provide first responders with medical, rescue, communications, technical support and logistics for teams to be self-sufficient up to 72 hours in a disaster zone.

These caches are specifically designed to enable specialized first responder teams to immediately deploy via airlift or convoy to a disaster zone and provide immediate response. That mission itself is vital. The cache is designed specifically to fit that particular mission.

But what happens when, for example, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico are hammered by a natural disaster, as Hurricane Maria is doing now?

Even if one of these caches had been pre-deployed to either territory, it would not be sufficient to provide the long-term, widespread response needed for the territories. They could only provide immediate relief in a limited area.

FEMA will face a logistics nightmare if Hurricane Maria is as devastating as expected. With Puerto Rico already under intense response and recovery needs because of Hurricane Irma, a more robust response will be needed assist the territorial government and its citizens.

One strategic decision FEMA has to make in advance of a known disaster striking, is where and how many resources to deploy in advance of that disaster. Put those resources too close to the disaster area, and they potentially become disaster victims themselves. Put them too far away, and FEMA could face delays in getting those resources where they are most needed.

Using Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an example, if harbors and airports are destroyed are damaged, those facilities will need to be repaired before military ships or military aircraft can deploy assets to those territories. 

What if the federal government used either existing secure facilities or built or obtained secure facilities not only in these territories where logistics can be a nightmare, but did the same across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam?

Taking the strategic thinking behind the National Strategic Stockpile and the FEMA Task Force Equipment caches, and creating a broadened stockpile of first response equipment and materials, would not only speed up FEMA response (and as fast as FEMA is currently responding, every first responder wants to be able to respond even faster) but would reduce last-minute ramp ups from the private sector — which always cost a premium.

Reduce those ramp up costs, increase the response speed, and alleviate as much as possible the logistical problems FEMA and first responders always face in getting into an area of operations. Do that and suddenly the government is thinking, planning and implementing long-term strategic planning that will reduce costs, increase efficiency and potentially save lives and reduce property and casualty losses.

That takes congressional action.

Congress should sit with FEMA and outline a plan to create a nationwide system of first responder caches. Those caches should be fully funded, separate and apart from the Disaster Relief Fund. Whether it’s FEMA, the Congressional Budget Office or an outside consultant, they should compare the costs of creating and maintaining those caches, with the premium price paid to the private sector to supply those resources and that equipment at the last moment.

I believe they will discover that it will reduce costs and further improve response times. In the current situation in Puerto Rico this forward-thinking strategy would eliminate the logistical nightmare of moving equipment in only after ports and runways have been repaired and made functional.

Cash for caches would be a long-term strategic move that would save taxpayers money. More importantly, it would avoid the logistical nightmares FEMA will faces responding to the devastation in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Michael Brown is the former under secretary of Homeland Security and director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under President George W. Bush from 2001-2005. He is the author of “Deadly Indifference – The Perfect [Political] Storm.” Follow him on Twitter at @michaelbrownusa.