Disaster Management

Why FEMA’s disaster relief gets political − especially when hurricane season and election season collide

The balance of federal, state and local government authorities and responsibilities during a natural disaster can lead to a politicization of the response efforts, and this year is no different.

'It's heartbreaking:' Federal personnel resume full hurricane response efforts after threats force a partial pause

Misinformation has caused "real-world obstacles" for FEMA responders as the agency looks to protect its workforce.

OPM sets up leave transfer program for feds impacted by Milton

Federal workers will soon be able to donate unused leave to their colleagues who need time to recover after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Wednesday.

Federal personnel are facing threats during hurricane response, DHS chief warns

As misinformation swirls, posters online have vowed to send militias and 'shoot' federal workers responding to recent disasters.

FEMA vows readiness as it prepares responses to concurrent crises

The emergency management agency has all the staff it needs for Helene and Milton work, administrator says.

USPS employees in hurricane-ravaged areas deal with loss—and still make their deliveries

Postal workers are navigating downed power lines, fallen trees, sinkholes, and their own tragic circumstances as they carry mail for devastated communities.

Election-year politics color hurricane recovery efforts

A week after Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, some elected officials have been reluctant to put on a united front.

‘All hands on deck:’ From Hawaii to Texas, FEMA employees pitch in on Helene response

FEMA personnel, even those not deployed, are working long hours to get supplies where they are needed.

How long will it take for Congress to act on emergency aid for Helene victims?

Some lawmakers are calling on Congress to return to D.C. to pass supplemental funding for Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts.

Federal agencies have deployed 3,600 employees in Helene response

Biden promises feds will stay as long as necessary, and FEMA says it may tap volunteers from other agencies to aid in response.

Maui wildfire recovery effectively paused without additional funds

Witnesses at a congressional hearing last week touted the federal government’s response to last year’s disaster but said long-term recovery is in jeopardy.

Biden’s FEMA director tried to fix the agency. Did she succeed?

Deanne Criswell discusses new reforms at FEMA, funding challenges and how the agency approaches emergency response.

OPM details emergency leave transfer for feds affected by Hurricane Beryl

The federal government’s HR agency is allowing federal employees to donate their paid leave to those impacted by the storm that has caused an estimated $28 billion-$32 billion in damages and economic effects in the U.S. alone. 

FEMA will now consider climate change when it rebuilds after floods

A policy change from the disaster recovery agency will “integrate current and future changes in flooding based on climate science” to assess where and how to construct future buildings.

FEMA is promising to be more 'forward-leaning' this hurricane season

The agency wants to get its staff deployed earlier in the process ahead of what is shaping up to be an intense period of potential disasters.