What does "leverage" refer to in FEMA's approach to disaster response?

In FEMA's approach to disaster response, "leverage" refers to the effective utilization of available resources to maximize their impact during an emergency. This concept emphasizes the importance of not just having resources but knowing how to deploy them efficiently and effectively. By leveraging resources, FEMA ensures that recovery and response efforts are optimized, allowing for a more effective and immediate response to disasters.

This approach includes strategic planning and collaboration between federal, state, and local entities, as well as community organizations, to ensure that every resource is utilized in the most beneficial way possible. It recognizes that in a disaster situation, time and resource allocation can significantly alter the effectiveness of response efforts, making it critical to leverage what is available to meet urgent needs. This focus on maximizing resource utilization aligns with FEMA's broader mission of ensuring public safety and disaster preparedness.