SBA partners with the Dept. of Homeland Security to develop a unified response to disasters and terrorist attacks    

[JAN. 8, 2005]  WASHINGTON -- On Thursday the Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the establishment of a National Response Plan. The plan aims to improve the response and recovery apparatus of federal, state, local, tribal, private sector and nongovernmental organizations in the aftermath of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Representatives from SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance participated in the development of the National Response Plan, which will serve as a tool for emergency responders, allowing them to better manage all aspects of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

"The National Response Plan recognizes SBA's vital role in the recovery of devastated communities after disasters strike," said Hector V. Barreto, administrator of the Small Business Administration. "Disaster recovery is a major component in this plan, and the SBA will support the DHS and the other agencies in our shared obligation to the nation and its citizens."

The National Response Plan incorporates best practices and procedures from emergency management, law enforcement, firefighting, public works, emergency medical services and the private sector, integrating them into a unified structure. In addition, protocols are established to help protect the nation from terrorist attacks and other natural and man-made hazards, while saving lives, property and the environment.

An increased emphasis on local response is established in the plan. Meanwhile, communication between federal, nongovernmental and local agencies involved in emergency response is enhanced. Standardized organizational and communications training will occur through the National Incident Management System. In addition, authority and leadership responsibility when responding to disasters is clearly identified.

For more information on the National Response Plan, visit www.dhs.gov/nationalresponseplan.

The Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair disaster-damaged residences. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Loans of up to $1.5 million are available to businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair damage to real estate, machinery and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $1.5 million are available to small businesses unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses.

For more information about the agency's disaster assistance program, visit www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/index.html.

[Small Business Administration news release]