Winter Weather Alert: FEMA Update
As of noon today, 21 states have declared a state of emergency in advance of a massive winter storm that started to hit the central U.S. early this morning. In normal times, FEMA would play a big role in helping states to recover from the damage of a major storm but the Trump Administration has been rolling out significant changes to the way FEMA operates and many of the governors are uncertain if they will receive any assistance from FEMA. Of particular concern is an internal recommendation last year from the then-acting FEMA Administrator to cut off disaster aid for snowstorms. No action has been taken on that recommendation, but I thought concerns over FEMA’s response to this storm warrants a FEMA update.
POLITICO is reporting that Massive snowstorm will test Trump’s strategy on disaster aid. The article notes that the Administration is mobilizing resources and a response and the Congress and Governors are watching carefully.
CNN reports FEMA halts termination of halts termination of disaster workers as agency prepares for massive winter storm. That is a good sign that DHS recognizes that experienced staff are required to address major disasters.
I am also sharing this Washington Post article: DHS pauses cuts to FEMA as massive storm barrels in because I like the detail that FEMA’s interim administrator, Karen Evans, and Gregg Phillips, who oversees the Office of Response and Recovery, offered their personal cellphone numbers to governors in case they needs to get in touch with them immediately.
Hopefully, this storm is not going to require a major disaster response but as this storm is hitting a number of states that don’t normally get snowstorms I wanted to offer an overview of what Washington is doing so you are able to support your elected officials in securing needed recovery resources.
Stay warm and safe this weekend.