Disaster Response

Disaster response is how government and relief groups act during and right after an emergency such as a flood, storm, wildfire, or earthquake. Local governments respond first, states add resources, and the federal government, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, steps in when an event is too large for lower levels.

Readers usually ask who is in charge when disaster strikes and how help reaches affected people. They want to know how a disaster declaration works, how states and cities ask for federal aid, and what assistance individuals can seek. They also ask how the three levels of government coordinate.