Unit 5 The Declaration Process - FEMA

[Pages:56]Unit 5 The Declaration Process

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

Portal Questions

Complete the diagram of the Declaration Process.

Event

Declaration

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

5.1

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

Portal Questions Answer Key

Event

State collects initial damage estimates Governor requests Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Federal/State/Local PDAs are conducted State determines which counties to request

State determines what type of assistance to request Governor submits letter requesting a Declaration to FEMA Regional

Director Region reviews request and adds recommendations

Region forwards request to FEMA FEMA forwards package to President for decision

Declaration

5.2

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, you will be able to: 1. Diagram the process of applying for a Federal disaster declaration. 2. Differentiate between a governor's request and an expedited request, listing the

conditions for each. 3. Use job aids to complete the application for a Federal disaster declaration.

Topics

The Declaration Process FEMA Recommendation Major Disaster and Expedited Request Criteria Declaration process checklists FEMA/State Agreement Add-Ons Learning Check Supplemental Materials

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

5.3

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

The Declaration Process

When a disaster occurs and local and State jurisdictions realize they will need resources to manage it, the Governor of the State asks for a Federal Declaration of an emergency or a disaster. The President then grants or denies the request.

This statement simplifies the process for the layman. As a key State disaster management staff member you need to know more ? about the process and the State and Federal roles in the process.

Let's start with some definitions that differentiate Federal disaster declarations and the procedures to earn the declarations.

There are two types of disaster declarations. They are:

1. Emergency 2. Major Disaster

5.4

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

Emergency

Emergency, as defined by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, is:

"Any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President, Federal Assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States."

Emergency assistance differs from disaster assistance. It is intended to avert a catastrophe through the support of emergency actions. It does not include any restoration or permanent repairs.

An emergency does not have to be a natural disaster. For example, it may be a water system contamination that cannot be handled by local and State resources.

Characteristics

1. Beyond State and local capabilities.

2. Supplementary emergency assistance.

3. Not to exceed $5 million.

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

5.5

Unit 5 The Declaration Process

Major Disaster

Major Disaster, as defined by the Stafford Act, is:

"Any natural catastrophe including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought, or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion in any part of the United States which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby."

Characteristics

1. Beyond State and local capabilities. 2. Supplementary to available resources of

State and local governments, disaster relief organizations, and insurance. 3. Must request within 30 days.

5.6

State Disaster Management Course ? IS 208

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