title: Federal Civil Defense Authority
text: # Federal Civil Defense Authority
  
  The Federal Civil Defense Authority was established in the United States Department of Defense (DOD), by DOD Directive 5105.43, May 5, 1972.
  
  ## Predecessor agencies
  
  * Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), Office for Emergency Management (OEM), Executive Office of the President (EOP, 1950–1951)
  * FCDA (1951–1958)
  * Office of Defense and Civilian Mobilization (ODCM), EOP (1958)
  * Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization (OCDM), EOP (1958–1961)
  * Office of Civil Defense (OCD), DOD (1961–1964)
  * OCD, United States Department of the Army, DOD (1964–1972)
  
  ## Functions
  
  It coordinated and directed federal, state, and local civil defense program activities, including fallout shelters; chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense; emergency communications and warning systems; post-attack assistance and damage assessment; preparedness planning; and government continuity.
  
  ## Abolished
  
  By EO 12148, July 20, 1979, retroactive to July 15, 1979, pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978, effective April 1, 1979.
  
  ## Successor agencies
  
  * Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
  