=Issue=: A major deficiency that has been identified is the
potential for delay following a catastrophic earthquake in
processing a request for a Presidential declaration of a
major disaster, and the subsequent initiation of full-scale
Federal support for lifesaving actions. The first few hours
are critical in saving the lives of people trapped in
collapsed buildings; consequently, this is when Federal
support is needed most. Decisions on post-event recovery
aspects of Federal assistance can be deferred until
lifesaving operations are underway and sufficient
information about damage is in hand.

=Action=: FEMA will develop and negotiate, before the
event, an agreement with the State of California which
will enable the President to declare a major disaster and
initiate full-scale Federal support for lifesaving and
humanitarian action within minutes of a catastrophic
earthquake. The agreement will defer resolution of issues
relating to longer-term restoration and recovery and
similar questions with large budgetary implications until
adequate damage estimates are available. The Executive
Branch will thus be able to arrive at an informed
decision.

=Issue=: Significant improvements in the Federal, State,
and local capability for coordination of operational
response to a catastrophic earthquake are needed.

=Actions=: FEMA and other appropriate Federal agencies will
increase their efforts, in a partnership with appropriate
State and local agencies and volunteer and private-sector
organizations, to:

" Complete development and agreement on fully integrated
earthquake response plans for both the San Francisco
and Los Angeles regions, including provision for
predicted as well as unpredicted earthquakes, building
upon the existing draft plan for San Francisco.

" Establish a small FEMA staff in California dedicated to
the coordination of earthquake preparedness planning and
implementation.

" Develop improved mechanisms for the coordination of
medical and mortuary activities following a catastrophic
earthquake.

" Identify and document the critical requirements for
emergency communications--par