WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Wednesday, to discuss the critical relationship between FEMA, its federal partners, state and local officials and first responders. Earlier in the day he met with John Gibb, the New York State Director of Emergency Management, Lt Col Jerome Hatfield, the director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, and local officials.

Fugate stressed the critical role the preparedness of both emergency responders and more importantly the public will play in the next disaster.

“Emergency management does not begin and end with FEMA – it involves many partners including other federal agencies, tribal, state and local governments, and most importantly the general public,” said  Fugate. “No one understands the importance of preparedness and having a strong response team better than Mayor Bloomberg and the New Yorkers he serves.  Today provided an opportunity to meet with the front lines of our emergency response team and reinforce our commitment to work together to better prepare for and respond to the next disaster.”

While the national emergency response team, including FEMA, tribal, state, local, and other federal partners as well as the private sector and faith based groups, is preparing for the next emergency, it is critical that families and communities do all they can to prepare as well. FEMA encourages all Americans to take a few simple steps now, like developing a family disaster plan. For more information on how to better prepare please visit www.Ready.gov.