A Key Official at FEMA Questions the Nation’s Threshold for Disaster Declaration
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes and wildfires that have struck the United States in recent years, the issue of disaster declaration has come under the spotlight. A key official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Gregg Phillips, has raised concerns about the current threshold for declaring a major disaster. During a congressional hearing, Phillips expressed his belief that the nation’s threshold is too low and called for changes to be made under the Trump administration.
Phillips, who serves as the associate administrator at FEMA, criticized what he described as an “artificially low threshold” for disaster declaration. He highlighted the fact that this threshold has remained unchanged for the past 40 years and has not kept pace with the increasing frequency and severity of disasters in the country. He also noted that the current threshold only considers the amount of damage and not the overall impact on communities and individuals.
His comments come at a critical time as FEMA is facing numerous challenges, including budget cuts and changes in leadership, under the current administration. Phillips emphasized the need for FEMA to adapt and evolve to effectively respond to the changing nature of disasters. “We must be proactive and open to change in order to better serve the American people,” he stated.
The current threshold for disaster declaration is based on the per capita impact of a disaster, where the total amount of damage must exceed a certain dollar amount per person in the affected area. This means that a disaster may not be declared if the per capita impact falls below this threshold, even if the overall impact on the community is significant.
Phillips argued that this approach does not take into account the unique circumstances of each disaster and can result in delays in providing much-needed assistance to affected communities. He stressed the importance of a more comprehensive and holistic approach to assessing the impact of disasters, which would consider factors such as population density, poverty levels, and the ability of local governments to respond.
The current threshold has also been criticized for its failure to account for the long-term effects of disasters, such as the economic and psychological impact on communities. With the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, FEMA must consider the long-term implications and provide support beyond immediate relief efforts.
Phillips also highlighted the need for a more collaborative approach between federal, state, and local agencies in response to disasters. He emphasized that FEMA alone cannot address all the challenges posed by disasters and called for greater coordination and cooperation among all levels of government.
Despite the challenges facing FEMA, Phillips remains optimistic about its ability to adapt and improve. He stressed that the agency is committed to learning from past experiences and implementing necessary changes to better serve the American people. “FEMA is an agency that constantly evolves and improves, and we are determined to rise to the challenges ahead,” he said.
In conclusion, the issue of disaster declaration and the threshold for it is a critical one that requires careful consideration. The comments made by FEMA’s associate administrator, Gregg Phillips, shed light on the need for changes to be made in order to effectively respond to the increasing frequency and severity of disasters in the country. It is crucial for all levels of government to work together towards a more comprehensive and proactive approach to disaster response. Only then can we ensure that the nation is prepared to face any future disasters and provide timely and effective assistance to those in need.
