A top official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expressed concerns about the current threshold for declaring major disasters in the United States. During a recent congressional hearing, FEMA associate administrator Gregg Phillips highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of the criteria for declaring major disasters, as the agency prepares for changes under the Trump administration.
Phillips stated that the current threshold for declaring a major disaster is “artificially low” and does not accurately reflect the gravity of the situation in many cases. He pointed out that the current system relies heavily on financial damages as the main factor for declaring a disaster, and highlighted the need to consider other factors such as the impact on infrastructure, public health and safety, and the overall well-being of affected communities.
This announcement comes as the Trump administration prepares to implement changes for FEMA, which has been under scrutiny for its response to recent disasters such as Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The Trump administration has proposed budget cuts for the agency and has been pushing for more state and local responsibility in disaster response.
However, Phillips’ statement reflects a commitment to improving the disaster declaration process and ensuring that FEMA has the necessary resources to effectively respond to disasters. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of a disaster, rather than just financial losses.
The current threshold for declaring a major disaster is $1 million in damages, a number that has not been adjusted since 1987. This means that many disasters that cause significant damage and disruption but fall below this threshold are not labeled as major disasters and do not receive the same level of federal assistance. This can be detrimental to communities that are in dire need of support in the aftermath of a disaster.
Phillips also highlighted the impact of climate change on disasters and the need to adapt to this new reality. He stated that FEMA is working to incorporate climate resilience into their policies and response plans, and that the agency is constantly analyzing data and trends to improve disaster preparedness and response.
The FEMA associate administrator’s comments have been met with support from lawmakers and disaster experts, who agree that the current threshold for declaring disasters is outdated and needs to be adjusted to reflect the realities of today’s world.
In conclusion, Gregg Phillips’ statement at the congressional hearing serves as a reminder of the importance of constantly re-evaluating and improving disaster response policies and procedures. As the Trump administration implements changes for FEMA, it is crucial that the agency retains the necessary resources and flexibility to effectively respond to disasters of all scales. By re-evaluating the threshold for declaring major disasters, we can ensure that no community is left behind in the face of natural disasters.
