If FEMA was not present, can the state handle disaster response only?

Imagine a world where hurricanes destroy the Gulf. The United States does not have a federal agency prepared to send supplies, financial aid, or temporary housing assistance quickly.

Can the state manage this devastating event on its own?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, usually known as FEMA, is ready to revert consumables within hours of a disaster and begins distributing financial aid to residents in need of assistance.

But without help, President Donald Trump has questioned the future of FEMA and suggested that the nation will take over recovery instead, suggesting that climate change will cause more frequent and serious disasters. It is worth asking how ready a nation is to face growing challenges.

What FEMA does

FEMA was created in 1979 with a job coordinating the national response to disasters, but the federal government has played an important role in disaster relief since the 1800s.

During a disaster, FEMA assistance can only be launched after the state requests an emergency declaration and the US President has approved it. This request must indicate that the disaster is so severe that the state cannot 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 support that states struggle to supply themselves. FEMA will not “take over” as the misinformation campaign claimed by Hurricane Helene has launched. Instead, they pool federal resources to help states recover faster from expensive disasters.

During disaster, FEMA:

Coordinate federal resources. For example, during Hurricane Ian in 2022, FEMA coordinated with the US Coast Guard, the Department of Defense and the search and rescue team to carry out rescue operations, organising utility crews to begin power recovery, and We provided 10,000 meals. Provide financial support. FEMA distributes billions of dollars in disaster relief funds to help individuals, businesses and local governments recover. As of February 3, 2025, FEMA aid from the 2024 storm included US$1.04 billion related to Hurricane Milton, $416.1 million for Hurricane Helen and $112.6 million for Hurricane Debbie. It was there. Provides logistic support. FEMA coordinates with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross to supply emergency shelters with beds, blankets and hygiene products. They also work with state and local partners to distribute important supplies such as food, water and medical aid.

The agency also manages the national flood insurance program, provides disaster preparedness training, and helps develop response plans to improve the statewide response system.

What does FEMA Aid look like in disasters?

When wildfires swept over Hawaii’s Maui in August 2023, FEMA provided emergency grants to cover immediate needs such as food, clothing and essential supplies for survivors.

The agency arranged hotel rooms, rental assistance and financial assistance for residents who lost their homes and belongings. Its direct housing program spent $295 million to lease homes for more than 1,200 households. This comprehensive support has helped thousands of people begin to rebuild their lives after losing almost everything.

FEMA also funded the construction of a temporary school, allowing the school to continue classes for students who were burned. Hawaii has a relatively small population and limited emergency funds, and would have struggled to respond on its own equality.

Large states often need help. As the 2021 winter storm overwhelms Texas’ power grids and water infrastructure, FEMA follows the February 19, 2021 disaster declaration to deliver essential supplies including water, fuel, generators and blankets. I’ve adjusted it. Within a few days, I was awarded more than $2.8. A million grants to help people with temporary housing and home repairs.

Which states suffer the most without FEMA?

Without FEMA or other federal support, states will need to manage disaster response and recovery themselves.

Frequently disaster-prone states such as Louisiana and Florida will face expensive, repeating challenges that could exacerbate delays in recovery and reduce overall resilience.

Smaller, more rural and less wealthy states that lack the financial resources and logistical capabilities to respond effectively will be disproportionately affected.

“The state doesn’t have the capacity to handle disasters each year,” Lynn Budd, director of Wyoming’s Homeland Security Agency, told Stateline in an interview. Access to FEMA avoids the need for expensive disaster response infrastructure in each state.

The state may be able to arrange regional cooperation. However, there are limitations to state-driven answers and regional models. The National Guard can help distribute supplies, but it is not designed to provide rapid financial aid, housing, or long-term recovery options, and supply and recovery efforts are still at the expense of Masu.

A wealthy state may be suitable for managing it yourself, but poor states will likely struggle. States with fewer funding and infrastructure rely on nonprofits and community-based initiatives. However, these organizations cannot provide the scope of services that FEMA can provide.

Federal funding will also be slow if Congress had to approve aid after each disaster, rather than FEMA already prepared to respond. The state is at the mercy of legislative inscribers.

Without a federal response and coordination role, recovery could be uneven, with wealthier areas recovering faster and poorer areas becoming more difficult for longer.

What does this mean?

Coordinating disaster responses is complicated, documents for federal aid can be frustrating, and agents will draw criticism. However, it also fulfills important roles.

As the frequency of natural disasters continues to rise due to climate change, ask yourself: How much is your state prepared for disasters?

This article will be republished from the conversation under a Creative Commons license. Please read the original article.