Which agency is independent and tasked with managing responses to natural disasters?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the independent agency specifically tasked with coordinating the federal government's response to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. FEMA's primary role is to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently during emergencies. It provides assistance in disaster response, recovery, and mitigation efforts while working in tandem with state and local governments.

This focus on disaster response is what distinguishes FEMA from other organizations listed. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily deals with health-related issues, including disease control and outbreak management, rather than direct disaster response. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance that focuses on collective defense, which does not specifically encompass disaster management in a civilian context. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health regulations, not emergency management in response to natural disasters. Thus, FEMA stands out as the agency directly involved in disaster management and response.