Disaster relief professionals (also known as emergency managers or emergency workers) are trained in a variety of disciplines in all aspects of emergency response, preparation, relief and mitigation. Disaster relief work encompasses the preparation of government, organization and community officials so that they will be able to effectively respond to and act in the event of an emergency situation. There are many international, national and local relief organizations that contribute their efforts for responding to and preventing both man-made and natural disasters. Some of the widest-known relief organizations are detailed below:

International Organizations:

United Nations:

Although the United Nations handles many affairs other than disaster response, they are also a relief organization, providing aid to many different countries. The Resident Coordinator that is assigned to a country is in charge of organizing an emergency response. In most cases, a United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team is sent out to help facilitate communication and organization.

Red Cross / Red Crescent:

The Red Cross / Red Crescent relief organizations is comprised of a group of 186 societies within many countries that deliver significant contributions in the event of a crisis. Their primary focus is on the disaster relief and recovery aspect of emergency management. Their goal is to “improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity” by promoting humanitarian principals and values, educating the public for better preparedness, and to supplementing the societies with youth activities.

World Bank:

The World Bank is a relief organization that has contributed about $40 billion in disaster management in 500 operations since 1980. Not only does the World Bank provide disaster relief through reconstruction projects, budget also goes towards the prevention of disasters and the minimization of damage done by a disaster through mitigating efforts. The countries most affected by the World Bank are Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Haiti, India, Mexico, Turkey, and Vietnam.

National Organizations:

United States:

FEMA:

The agency most responsible in the United States for emergency management is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is directed under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the directives of FEMA, the United States is divided into ten regions that respond to emergency situations under a hierarchy of several agencies across tribal, state, county and local jurisdictions.

Citizen Corps:

A volunteer relief organization, it is a system that is used for local situations, but at the same time, it is coordinated nationally by the DHS. Their primary focus is disaster mitigation and preparation of emergency response through education, training, and spreading their message.

United Kingdom:

In the United Kingdom, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 defines relief organizations as either Category 1 and 2 Responders. Disaster management is generally handled by local organizations. One of them, the Institute of Emergency Management, was established in 1996 and provides consultation and communication relating to disasters to the government and media.

Canada:

Public Safety Canada:

Canada’s primary emergency management relief organization, Public Safety Canada (PS) coordinates and provides assistance to ensure that national security and the safety of citizens is preserved.