FEMA Braces For Post-Hurricane Sandy Mess By Brian Naylor / NPR Published October 29, 2012 at 7:24 AM PDT This story was published more than 11 years ago. Facebook WhatsApp Email Official Washington shut down today for Hurricane Sandy, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was on the job. It's mission: preparedness. Among other things, the agency is stockpiling water, meals, blankets and cots.