What is the role of the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO)?

The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) plays a critical role during disaster response and recovery efforts by serving as the primary federal representative at the scene of a disaster. The FCO is responsible for coordinating federal assistance to ensure it is effectively integrated with state and local efforts. This coordination helps streamline operations, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the needs of the affected communities.

By bringing together various federal agencies and resources, the FCO facilitates a unified response, enabling a cohesive approach to disaster management. This role is essential for supporting state and local agencies in their response efforts and helps to ensure that survivors receive the needed aid and assistance in a timely manner.