Federal, state, local, and tribal governments all have a part to play in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. This guide provides an overview of what those agencies are, what they do, and when they get involved.
Declarations
Preliminary Damage Assessments: In the aftermath of a natural disaster, state governments submit preliminary damage assessments to the federal government, requesting aid because damages to individuals and public facilities and infrastructure is too costly for the state to address on its own. Local authorities will document damage to houses, businesses, schools, and other facilities. This report will help determine whether the federal government needs to provide aid, and how much money will be available for households to apply for. (Source: FEMA)
Presidential Disaster Declaration: Governors of states and federally-recognized tribes can request a disaster declaration from the president. This declaration authorizes FEMA to begin working in an area affected by a disaster, and can open the process for Congress to appropriate funding that will go towards disaster recovery down the road. Typically, these declarations require a preliminary damage assessment, but in severe cases–a category 5 hurricane, for example–states may be able to expedite the process and the President may issue a declaration beforehand. (Source: FEMA)
Federal Laws
Stafford Act: The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is the foundational law for emergency management authorities, and disaster relief to local, state, and tribal governments. It established the presidential disaster declaration process. (Read the law)
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000: The Disaster Mitigation Act amended the Stafford Act and requires hazard mitigation plans as a prerequisite for certain kinds of non-emergency disaster assistance. It also added incentives for states that “demonstrate increased coordination and integration of mitigation activities.” (Read the law)
Homeland Security Act: In 2002, President George W. Bush signed the Homeland Security Act, leading to the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FEMA was moved to the department, rather than remaining a separate federal agency. (Read the law)
Defense Production Act: The Defense Production Act is the primary source of presidential authorities to expedite and expand the supply of materials and services from the U.S. industrial base. DPA authorities may support emergency activities related to the Stafford Act, and may also protect or restore critical infrastructure. (Read the law)
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act: President George W. Bush signed this into law a little over a year after Hurricane Katrina, following public dissatisfaction with the federal response to the 2005 storm and subsequent levee failure. The act revised emergency response provisions but kept FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, and set provisions for the FEMA administrator. (Read the law)
Sandy Recovery Improvement Act: Signed into law after Hurricane Sandy in 2013, this authorizes several significant changes to the way FEMA may deliver federal disaster assistance to local governments, especially pertaining to debris removal, dispute resolutions, and post-disaster temporary housing. The law also makes changes to FEMA’s aid forindividual survivors, including making relevant childcare costs reimbursable. (Read the law)
Disaster Recovery Reform Act: This 2018 Trump administration law — passed after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017 and the wildfires in California in 2017 and 2018 — made significant amendments to the Stafford Act. Most notably, it increased support for mitigation, and, according to a review of the act prepared for Congress in 2020, requires reevaluation of the process in which governors submit requests for public assistance, which could result in fewer federally declared disasters and less money for grant programs. (Read the law)
Federal Agencies
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA is the federal agency in charge of disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery. FEMA runs many programs that can aid people affected by natural disasters. The agency often works with state, tribal and local governments. FEMA has several regional offices. Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida are in Region 4. Texas and Louisiana are in Region 6; Virginia is in Region 3. During a disaster, many evacuation shelters are managed or funded by FEMA in partnership with organizations like the Red Cross. After a disaster, the agency is in charge of providing financial aid to local, state and tribal governments as well as individuals who apply for aid. (Source)
For more information about FEMA’s aid programs, read our FEMA Guide.
National Weather Service (NWS):
A federal agency that provides official forecasts, and issues watches and warnings for storms. There are several local or regional offices that provide the most accurate and up to date information during severe storms and emergencies. Each office provides information on their social media accounts, via their websites, and over radio and television. Find your local NWS office, and subscribe to their alerts here. (Source: NWS)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): A federal agency that may be involved in distributing disaster recovery aid or overseeing programs. One key protection the agency offers immediately after a disaster: If you have a Federal Housing Administration loan on your home, you will be protected from foreclosure for 90 days.
HUD handles Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), which can fund home repairs, public infrastructure, and buyouts for residents in particularly vulnerable flood zones. The program must be approved by Congress after a disaster, when there are significant unmet needs for long-term recovery. It is usually administered through a partnership with state governments. (Source: HUD)
Federally recognized tribes—self-governed, sovereign nations—can request a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration independently from states, apply for public assistance for recovery directly, and access grants. But state-recognized tribes must navigate a complex bureaucracy. Read our story to learn more.
State & Local Agencies
Texas
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): A state agency that oversees and coordinates emergency management, response and recovery in Texas. TDEM provides local governments with resources and information to carry out preparation and response to disasters. The agency is housed in the Texas A&M University system. (Source: TDEM)
State Tax Holiday for Emergency Preparedness: Typically in April, the state waives state taxes on items that can help households prepare for disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires. This includes portable generators (less than $3,000), hurricane shutters, emergency ladders, batteries, manual can openers, first aid kits, carbon monoxide and/or smoke detectors, certain tools like axes, battery powered radios, and tarps. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR): The state maintains a list of vulnerable residents who may need additional care or support during a natural disaster. Registering for the database is not a guarantee that you will receive assistance, but your information will be available to local emergency managers as they make plans. It is free to register for STEAR. If you have a disability, limited mobility, communication barrier, and special medical needs, you can add your name to the database. The application is available online, or over the phone at 877-541-7905. Your information will be kept confidential. You do not need proof of citizenship to register. (Source)
Critical Care Residential Customer Status: In case of forced blackouts after a natural Disaster, registering with the Public Utility Commission’s Critical Care list notifies utility providers that your household requires electricity for life-saving medical equipment. Registering doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted power service, but can help providers in the planning process. The application form must be mailed or faxed in to the local utility company for approval (contacts for each company are provided in the form). One section requires a physician’s signature. (Source)
General Land Office: The General Land Office is overseen by an elected official, the Texas Land Commissioner. The agency works with federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development to allocate disaster relief funds after major events like Hurricane Harvey. Funds can go towards housing, infrastructure such as flood control projects, and state and local programs. (Source)
Texas Department of Insurance: This state agency regulates insurance companies in Texas. It can also help residents with understanding their rights after a disaster, and with filing insurance claims for homes, cars and property after a disaster. The Texas Department of Insurance also handles consumer complaints and checks for fraudulent companies which may attempt to scam homeowners after a disaster. (Source)
Louisiana
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP): The state agency that oversees and coordinates emergency preparation and response following hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. (Source)
Department of Children and Family Services: State agency that helps oversee shelters during disasters, working closely with GOHSEP and the American Red Cross. The agency provides assistance with finding family members who may have split up and gone to different shelters, and can also assist with information regarding programs like the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Parishes or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a storm. Services may vary by parish/city.
Mississippi
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. MEMA runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Mississippi Disaster Recovery Agency (MS Development Authority): A nonprofit corporation that administers certain state level recovery programs. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a storm. Services may vary by county and city.
Alabama
Alabama Emergency Management Agency: The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs: The state agency that coordinates long-term recovery funding with FEMA and HUD. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a storm. Services may vary by county and city.
Florida
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (also referred to as FloridaJobs): State agencies that distributes long term disaster recovery funding through FEMA and HUD. (Source)
Special Needs Registry (Florida Department of Health): The state maintains a database that helps local emergency managers provide assistance to vulnerable residents. Residents may sign up online, and may be asked to update their information periodically. Information will not be made public. Registering for the database does not guarantee that you will receive assistance in an emergency. (Source)
Tennessee
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
Arkansas
Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
Kentucky
Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
West Virginia
West Virginia Emergency Management Division: The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
Virginia
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
South Carolina
South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD): The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
North Carolina
North Carolina Emergency Management: Under the Department of Public Safety, the state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Counties or cities maintain databases of residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. Residents must sign up to be placed on the registry: Those who have special medical needs and equipment, limited mobility, disabilities, are blind or deaf, or use service animals can sign up. Most agencies recommend registering well in advance of a disaster. Services may vary by county and city.
Georgia
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency: The state agency that oversees and coordinates disaster management. It also runs shelters and administers grants and aid through FEMA. (Source)
Special Needs Registry: Georgia maintains a state-wide registry for hurricane season. The registry is operated by the Department of Public Health’s Coastal Health District. People who have disability, limited mobility, and/or no other means of support during a crisis are encouraged to apply well in advance of a storm. The office stops taking new applicants 72 hours before storm is predicted to hit. Residents can register via phone at
1-833-243-7344. PDF applications can also be filled out and mailed or dropped off in person to a local county health department. (Source)