The Diva has been involved in emergency management work since before 1979, which is the year that FEMA was formed. I remember that the driving force behind its formation was pressure by a group of governors who met with President Carter and asked him to do something to make the process of obtaining federal help/assistance for major disasters easier. At that time, a governor would have to approach at least 5 federal agencies to get the assistance needed to cope with a major disaster.

In my opinion, before abolishing FEMA, and the other components of the Dept. of Homeland Security, Trump Administration officials should carefully weigh alternatives.

From CNN: Everyone agrees FEMA needs to change. The question is how.

” Even before the Los Angeles fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was under assault on all fronts.

Increasingly frequent weather disasters have strained its workforce and drained its Congress-funded coffers. And, since the first Trump administration, the agency has had further strain from bankrolling Covid recovery and paying states to shelter migrants.

Disaster-ravaged Americans speak of being thwarted by bureaucracy and red tape in their lowest, darkest moments. Republicans are calling for the agency to be overhauled and President Donald Trump on Friday suggested maybe FEMA shouldn’t exist. “

From HSToday: California Governor Signs $2.5B Relief Package for LA Wildfire Recovery. Announcement comes day before Donald Trump will visit fire-torn areas and amid criticism around state water supply

How Planners Can Help LA Recover — And Help After Other Disasters Too. By Robert Olshansky, FAICP, and Laurie Johnson, FAIC, This piece is brought to you free of charge courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report.

“These observations are based on over three decades of experience—both research and practice—after large disasters in the U.S. and numerous other countries. Olshansky and Johnson’s book After Great Disasters, is available for free download from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.”

From The Conversation: How nonprofits pitch in before, during and after disasters strike. They play a critical role by complementing government efforts and filling gaps in immediate and long-term recovery needs.

“Collaboration is a hallmark of how nonprofits respond to disasters. These organizations often work alongside government agencies and private sector partners in coordinated efforts. This approach ensures that aid is distributed efficiently, directing resources where they are needed most.

Often, national groups lead efforts to establish emergency shelters, distribute food and water, and offer mental health support. In a best-case scenario, these large organizations partner with local nonprofits that are uniquely positioned to mobilize quickly, leveraging their deep understanding of community needs and established trust with residents.

In some disasters, especially large ones like the Lahaina, Hawaii, fire in 2023, nonprofits also act as coordinators. They make sure that volunteers, donations and other resources flow to people who need help.”

From HSToday: FEMA’s National Preparedness Report Focuses on Mass Care, Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure Resilience
“The 2024 NPR addresses the work that needs to be done at all levels – federal, state, local, tribal and territorial – to strengthen national preparedness. While emerging threats and hazards will test us as a nation, our collective efforts across the whole community will drive our progress toward a safer, more resilient future,” said FEMA Administrator Criswell. “Together, we can ensure every individual and community is better prepared to face the uncertainties of tomorrow.”

From ABC News: Disasters don’t discriminate,’ outgoing FEMA administrator says.

Criswell, the outgoing FEMA administrator, sits for an exit interview with ABC. “All disasters start and end at the local level, and our job as federal emergency managers is to enable their ability to be successful, and I’ve been in their role,” she said.

The outgoing administrator said she “never lost sight” of putting herself in the local emergency managers’ shoes and made policy changes based on that thinking.

Former FEMA director to Congress: ‘Give it back its independent agency status,’ direct access to president

Former FEMA director to Congress: ‘Give it back its independent agency status,’ direct access to president

Former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Michael Brown said that Congress should give the disaster relief agency back its “independent agency status,” allowing it direct access to the president which would, in his view, improve its overall operation.

“The smartest thing they could do is to pull FEMA out, give it back its independent agency status, and give the director direct access to the president. If you don’t have direct access to the president, like I had, it’s not going to work,” Brown, who served as the FEMA chief from 2003 to 2005 under former President Bush, said during his Thursday appearance on NewsNation’s show “The Hill.”

New Report from the Congressional Research Service: Disaster Relief Fund State of Play: In Brief (15 pp)