The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that sets the framework for the Red Cross and FEMA to jointly lead the planning and coordination of mass care services in the event of a disaster.

“FEMA is only part of our nation’s emergency management team,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  “By partnering with the American Red Cross - another key member of this team -we will be able to coordinate mass care services more effectively and efficiently.  Today’s signing was an important step forward not just for FEMA and the Red Cross, but for the many Americans who may need shelter, food, first aid and other types of mass care when a disaster strikes.”