Which agency is primarily responsible for coordinating federal disaster response efforts?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the primary federal agency responsible for coordinating disaster response efforts in the United States. Created in 1979, FEMA's mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. It partners with state and local governments, as well as private sector and nonprofit organizations, to ensure an effective and efficient response to emergencies.

FEMA plays a crucial role by coordinating the federal government's resources, personnel, and funding to support state and local response and recovery efforts. This includes providing disaster assistance to individuals and communities, coordinating the logistics of supplies, and ensuring that all federal entities are aligned in their disaster response strategies.

Other agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focus largely on public health and disease prevention, particularly in disasters with health implications. The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for weather forecasting and warnings, essential functions but not directly involved in disaster response coordination. The Red Cross is a vital organization in providing disaster relief services and support but operates more as a nonprofit partner rather than a coordinating federal agency. Therefore, FEMA stands out as the key agency designated for comprehensive coordination of federal disaster response efforts.