Silver Jackets teams in states across the country bring together multiple state, federal, and sometimes tribal and local agencies to learn from one another and apply their knowledge to reduce the risk of flooding and other natural disasters in the United States and enhance response and recovery efforts when such events do occur. There are a growing number of states applying the Silver Jackets approach—the ultimate goal is a state-led interagency team in every state.

Although each state Silver Jackets team is unique, common agency participants include state agencies with mission areas of hazard mitigation, emergency management, floodplain management, natural resources management or conservation, etc. Federal participation typically includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and often others, such as the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. Silver Jacket Coordinators can assist state and federal agencies interested in forming or growing their Silver Jackets teams. Resources for activities associated with the team come through the individual programs of each agency within the constraints of available budgets.

No single agency has all the answers, but leveraging multiple programs and perspectives can provide a cohesive solution.

This website provides information about existing Silver Jackets teams, information on how to start a team, and links to relevant webinars and presentations.

Why the name “Silver Jackets”?

Traditionally, different agencies wear different-colored jackets when responding to emergencies. For example, FEMA personnel wear blue and USACE personnel wear red. The name Silver Jackets is used to underscore the common mission of a single team of diverse agencies working together to reduce flood risk at the state level.

Silver Jackets Program Goals

• Facilitate strategic life-cycle flood risk reduction.
• Create or supplement a continuous mechanism to collaboratively solve state-prioritized issues and implement or recommend those solutions.
• Improve processes, identifying and resolving gaps and counteractive programs.
• Leverage and optimize resources.
• Improve and increase flood risk communication and present a unified interagency message.
• Establish close relationships to facilitate integrated post-disaster recovery solutions.