FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison highlighted reforms and improvements the organization has implemented to prepare for the 2007 hurricane season during his keynote address during the opening session of the 29th National Hurricane Conference.

The annual conference, held this year in New Orleans, brings together federal, state and local officials, emergency managers, voluntary agency representatives, engineers, planners, media, meteorologists and other response, recovery and hazard mitigation professionals.

In his speech, Paulison noted the many reforms FEMA already has implemented in the areas of communications and disaster operations; disaster assistance and reducing the potential for waste, fraud and abuse; logistics management; and operational planning and continuity.

Paulison focused on the internal and external reviews being conducted in partnership with states and localities to determine where reforms can make the biggest impact. "FEMA is working closely with each of the 11 state emergency management communities in hurricane prone states, using a consistent set of measures and tools to evaluate strengths and vulnerabilities," said Paulison, "This will allow us to better tailor our response. Knowledge is power — and we will have the facts to improve our response."

Paulison also highlighted the personnel changes at the "New FEMA" that included recruitment of additional staff to bring FEMA's staffing level to over 90%, including the first complete roster of 10 full-time administrators in FEMA's regional offices in recent memory.

Paulison noted the April 1 FEMA reorganization and the positive reforms these changes would bring.

As a result of these extensive reforms, Paulison said, "FEMA is better aligned and focused on helping America to prepare before an event strikes, has stronger operational systems and plans in place to improve response and coordination, is working to find new ways to help communities recover and rebuild after an event strikes, is committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners at every level of government as well as those in the nonprofit and private sectors, and is dedicated to fostering a culture of personal preparedness amongst all Americans."

Paulison concluded with reminding conference attendees and all Americans that each individual should make their own preparations to see their families through a disaster. "FEMA is dedicated to fostering a culture of personal preparedness in America. Americans must be prepared to care for themselves and their loved one during and immediately following a disaster," he added.