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.
Featured eBooks
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.
Supreme Court’s ruling on Chevron framework will lead to policy shifts by federal emergency management and housing agencies
COMMENTARY | The changes the ruling brings will have real-world implications, argues one former FEMA official.
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.
Under-resourced FEMA would see new commitment to growing workforce under bipartisan bill
The agency has struggled to keep pace with new and increased demands.
FEMA is making an example of this Florida boomtown. Locals call it ‘revenge politics’
The Biden administration is trying to punish Lee County for rebuilding flood-prone homes. The state’s Republican politicians are fighting back.
Indigenous Pacific wildfire survivors on Maui can finally get FEMA help
The new fiscal 2024 spending bill has re-established Compact of Free Association citizens' access to federal safety net programs after it was inadvertently removed by the 1996 Welfare Reform Act.
Rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge ‘will not be quick or easy or cheap,’ Buttigieg says
Reopening the Port of Baltimore is among the Biden administration’s top priorities in the aftermath of the collapse.
