FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 2 Page 1 JPEG | Page 2 JPEG | Text Transcript This public affairs guidance was prepared on June 18, 1998 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of the movie The X-Files: Fight the Future. It advises officials how to answer queries on FEMA's shadowy "role outside of natural disaster management." Morrie Goodman, FEMA's Communications Director, denied Dossier's request for the document; it was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. Related Document: FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 1 Related Article: FEMA's X-File

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[TEXT TRANSCRIPT] Federal Emergency Management Agency Washington, D.C. 20472 Jun 18 1998 NS MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Associate Directors Associate Directors Administrators Regional Directors Office Directors FROM: Thomas L. Forman Director Office of National Security Coordination Morrie Goodman Director, Communications SUBJECT: Public Affairs Guidance There is the potential for an increase in queries from the general public and the news media regarding FEMA's national security programs, due to recent Hollywood film releases, which fictionalize the agency's role and responsibilities. While entertaining and somewhat humorous to the employees of FEMA, some moviegoers may not understand that they are watching a fictional portrayal of the agency. While guidance to staff is somewhat loose in the way we respond to these queries, a light approach, one that does not sound bureaucratic and too formal is advised. The same approach is advised when discussing our programs. Most people know us as the agency that responds to natural disasters, others believe we have a somewhat sinister role. For the latter, it is not realistic to think that we can convince them otherwise and it is advisable not to enter into debate on the subject. The following is a sample that can be used as a guide when responding to questions about our role outside of natural disaster management. This supercedes our earlier guidance on the subject, dated March 24, 1998. [PAGE BREAK] Response to Queries on National Security Programs The chief mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to develop and implement comprehensive preparedness, response and recovery plans for nearly every conceivable threat to the well being of our country and our citizens. Such threats can either be from natural causes or by persons wishing to do harm to our nation. Because of some catastrophic conditions it is conceivable that the entire country could be threatened. FEMA participates in such plans and programs, consistent with United States policy, designed to assure the survival and continuity of the essential functions of our government. Most of FEMA's attention is focused on the continuity of government operations. For instance, if a building housing an agency or department of the federal government is destroyed by natural or man-made causes, there are plans to ensure the business of that agency or department; business that Americans rely on for health, safety and security, can continue with minimal interruption. Details of these plans are not discussed for national security reasons. In response to queries specifically dealing with FEMA's authority to suspend the constitution, you may emphatically state: FEMA does not have, never has had, nor will ever seek, the authority to suspend the constitution. Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact Morrie Goodman, Director of Communications at FEMA Headquarters [DOCUMENT ENDS] Related Article: FEMA's X-File FEMA Public Affairs Guidance No. 1 Declassified Documents Archive