If FEMA didn't exist, could states handle the disaster response on their own?

NEW YORK - March 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Ming Xie, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Kemetian Church of Krsts

Could the states manage this catastrophic event on their own?

Normally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, is prepared to marshal supplies within hours of a disaster and begin distributing financial aid to residents who need help.

However, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying the federal government plans to eliminate FEMA, President Donald Trump suggesting states can take over disaster recovery, and climate change causing more frequent and severe disasters, it's worth asking how prepared states are to face these growing challenges without help.

What FEMA Does

FEMA was created in 1979 with the job of coordinating national responses to disasters, but the federal government has played important roles in disaster relief since the 1800s.

During a disaster, FEMA's assistance can begin only after a state requests an emergency declaration and the U.S. president approves it. The request has to show that the disaster is so severe that the state can't handle the response on its own.

FEMA's role is to support state and local governments by coordinating federal agencies and providing financial aid and recovery assistance that states would otherwise struggle to supply on their own. FEMA doesn't "take over," as a misinformation campaign launched during Hurricane Helene claimed. Instead, it pools federal resources to allow states to recover faster from expensive disasters.

The agency also manages the National Flood Insurance Program, offers disaster preparedness training and helps states develop response plans to improve their overall responses systems.

http://youtu.be/yqsT952C_eY?si=ZQbu13YloPzgz6uv



https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-ancient-ker/1804252360

https://theconversation.com/if-fema-didnt-exist-could-states-handle-the-disaster-response-on-their-own-248758