FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 1 Page 1 JPEG | Page 2 JPEG | Text Transcript This public affairs guidance was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 24, 1998 to guide responses to questions about FEMA's secret national security plans, which "require a rigid level of protection." Related Document: FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 2 Related Article: FEMA's X-File

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[TEXT TRANSCRIPT] Federal Emergency Management Agency Washington, D.C. 20472 Mar 24 1998 NS MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Associate Directors Associate Directors Administrators Regional Directors Office Directors FROM: Thomas L. Forman Director Office of National Security Coordination Vallee Bunting Director Office of Emergency Information and Media Affairs SUBJECT: Public Affairs Guidance As you all know, FEMA continues to receive favorable press coverage based largely on the excellent performance of its personnel in responding rapidly, compassionately, and professionally to the needs of the American people in the face of the continuing spate of natural disasters. However, as we continue to serve the American people, we need to remain cognizant that some of our programs and resources, particularly those that deal with national security, require a rigid level of protection. The situation in the Middle East and a rising public consciousness of terrorism has led to increased interest in our government's capabilities to respond to terrorist incidents, particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction. We can anticipate continued press inquiries into such areas as continuity of operations plans, continuity of government, and terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction and our preparedness to deal with it. In light of several recent media probes into FEMA activities, I feel it prudent to revisit guidance established by the National Security Council and FEMA on what our public affairs approach should be with respect to our national security related programs. First, there is no intent to stifle expression; simply to ensure that when discussing national security, you are aware of what has been approved for release. For additional information, refer the inquirer to the Office of Emergency Information and Media Affairs. National security requires our most careful, considered articulation. It is important to remember that appearance of apparent national security-related information in the public domain does not constitute official release. [PAGE BREAK] FEMA will continue to maintain a passive public affairs approach regarding national security emergency preparedness activities. FEMA's mission is to respond to the consequences of a disaster regardless of the cause. With regard to continuity of government, FEMA's responsibilities are succinctly stated in Executive Order 12656. Precisely how FEMA meets those responsibilities must be afforded a level of protection to ensure that certain contingencies will be available if needed. The responses to national security-related queries shall be based on the standard "Response to Queries on National Security Programs." This guidance applies to all inquiries on past, present, and future national security programs and activities. Response to Queries on National Security Programs "It is the policy of the United States to have in place a comprehensive and effective program to assure the survival and continuity of the essential functions of our constitutional form of government in the face of a catastrophic crisis, from natural disaster to nuclear war. Even with the diminution of the threat of strategic nuclear attack, such a program remains an important hedge against the full range of current threats and future uncertainties. Associated plans are continuously re-validated and adjusted in response to changes in the range of potential national security emergencies and threats. Details of these plans are not discussed for national security reasons." If you or your staff have any questions, please contact Val Bunting, Director of the Office of Emergency Information and Media Affairs or Tom Forman, Director of the Office of National Security Coordination at FEMA Headquarters. [DOCUMENT ENDS] Related Article: FEMA's X-File FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 2 Declassified Documents Archive