Disaster Management

FEMA to overhaul its disaster aid system after decades of criticism

The agency will offer upfront cash payments to disaster survivors and slash some of its infamous red tape.

With catastrophes on the rise, a new report outlines how agencies can integrate their response

A new study from the National Academy of Public Administration and the IBM Center for the Business of Government details strategies the federal government can take to absorb the shock of unprecedented national and international events and mitigate their institutional risks. 

Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide as FEMA runs out of money

The agency has paused $2.8 billion in spending as it braces for a looming government shutdown.

FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap

The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.

With wildfires looming, Congress must act to prevent an exodus of firefighters

COMMENTARY | Firefighters protect communities and people, asking for little in return: equipment to do our jobs safely, benefits that recognize the inherent dangers of our work, and pay that is sufficient to take care of our families, writes one advocate.

Hawaii’s wildfires led to fast tracking federal identity tools for unemployment claims 

Hawaii is the second state after Arkansas to employ Login.gov and U.S. Postal Service identity proofing options in its unemployment insurance system. 

How data models may shape the future of wildfire response

Data models that integrate wildfire spread and vehicle and pedestrian evacuation routes can help responder agencies get residents to safety before an incoming wildfire becomes too much to manage.

Biden administration soliciting volunteers throughout government to deploy for disaster response

FEMA has said the assignments from other agencies could help ensure an adequate recovery effort.

How to get federal disaster aid: FEMA is running out of money, but these strategies can help survivors of Hurricane Idalia and the Maui fires get aid faster

COMMENTARY | After a natural disaster strikes a community, determining and documenting the extent of damage to homes and property is a crucial step in receiving financial aid to recover.

Feds pre-deploy to Florida in anticipation of major hurricane

FEMA looks to manage workforce shortages as it responds to multiple crises at once.

Navy divers begin search and underwater survey in Maui

The Defense Department now has 572 people supporting relief efforts after devastating fires.

FEMA’s disaster relief fund is running low on cash. What happens now?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund is facing at least a $4 billion deficit.

Hundreds of Defense personnel supporting Maui recovery efforts

Death toll in the devastating wildfires has risen to 111, with more than 1,000 people still missing.

Hundreds of federal employees deploy to Hawaii to assist in wildfire response

Agencies with offices and personnel on the island are also scrambling to accommodate staff and provide continuity of services.

Deer Park chemical fire in 2019 could have been prevented, federal investigation finds

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found that the ITC tank farm lacked crucial equipment to warn workers about the failure that led to the three-day fire.

FEMA Is Losing Employees at an Alarming Rate

Burnout is leading to attrition as disasters spike, but watchdog also blames agency for poor workforce management.