Carter Creates FEMA by Executive Order 12127

President Jimmy Carter's Executive Order 12127 took effect April 1, 1979, consolidating more than 100 federal disaster-related programs into the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The order merged the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, Federal Preparedness Agency, Federal Disaster Assistance Administration, Federal Insurance Administration, and U.S. Fire Administration. John Macy became FEMA's first director, reporting directly to the president.