» Strengthen significantly its management, research,
application, and coordination functions, as delegated
under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
and Disaster Relief Act.

» Lead other agencies in the development of a
comprehensive preparedness strategy detailing specific
objectives and assignments, and periodically monitor
accomplishments in meeting assigned responsibilities.

Departments and agencies with appropriate capabilities
will provide needed support to FEMA in strengthening
Federal preparedness and hazard mitigation programs.

=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