There are **seven** community lifelines identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States. These lifelines represent fundamental services crucial for a community to function and recover after a disaster or emergency. They are:
1. **Safety and Security:** This encompasses public safety services like law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services.
2. **Health and Medical:** This includes hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as public health agencies.
3. **Communications:** This covers infrastructure and services that enable communication, such as phone networks, internet, and radio.
4. **Hazardous Materials:** This refers to the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
5. **Food, Water, and Shelter:** This includes the provision of safe and adequate food, water, and shelter for the affected population.
6. **Energy:** This encompasses the production, transmission, and distribution of power and fuel.
7. **Transportation:** This includes the infrastructure and systems that allow for the movement of people and goods.
These lifelines serve as a framework for emergency response efforts, helping prioritize actions and resources to ensure the community's basic needs are met and its recovery is facilitated.