Evolution Of Homeland Security

The evolution of Homeland Security seems like a relatively new one, but really the history leading up to it began in the 1800s. Over time, however, improved preparedness, response and recovery, and creation of certain protective documents influenced how we view Homeland Security today. Bottom line, Homeland Security and its governing documents, specifically the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Response Framework (NRF), exist for a reason, these reasons and the documents are important to review. On December 25th, 1803 in New Hampshire a fire broke out causing the federal government to be involved for the first time in a local disaster. Congress passed legislation allowing the federal government to provide financial assistance to New Hampshire and the townspeople who were affected by the disaster. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was another movement by the federal government in 1933. President Franklin Roosevelt created the TVA to reduce flooding in the region and create hydroelectric power. Just fourteen years later National Security Act was implemented. The Act was meant to address the national security needs of the nation and establish the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The 1950s created a time for civil defense programs throughout the United States. Local bomb shelters were built to protect communities and residents from the Soviet Union and their potential nuclear attacks. The National Security Agency (NSA) was also created in the early 1950s by Truman. By the mid-1960s Hurricane Betsy and other natural disasters were attacking the United States. There was an earthquake in Alaska, hurricanes in Florida and Texas, and massive flooding and loss of life. The National Flood Insurance Program was established after these catastrophic natural disasters. Everything was calm until the late 1970s when the federal government started an investigation on emergency management capabilities. More than 100 federal agencies were