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