44 C.F.R. Subpart B—The Declaration Process
Title 44 - Emergency Management and Assistance
Source: 55 FR 2292, Jan. 23, 1990, unless otherwise noted.
The purpose of this subpart is to describe the process leading to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster or an emergency and the actions triggered by such a declaration. All definitions in the Stafford Act and in §206.2 apply. In addition, the following definitions apply: (a) Appeal: A request for reconsideration of a determination on any action related to Federal assistance under the Stafford Act and these regulations. Specific procedures for appeals are contained in the relevant subparts of these regulations. (b) Commitment: A certification by the Governor that the State and local governments will expend a reasonable amount of funds to alleviate the effects of the major disaster or emergency, for which no Federal reimbursement will be requested. (c) Disaster Application Center: A center established in a centralized location within the disaster area for individuals, families, or businesses to apply for disaster aid. (d) FEMA-State Agreement: A formal legal document stating the understandings, commitments, and binding conditions for assistance applicable as the result of the major disaster or emergency declared by the President. (e) Incident: Any condition which meets the definition of major disaster or emergency as set forth in §206.2 which causes damage or hardship that may result in a Presidential declaration of a major disaster or an emergency. (f) Incident period: The time interval during which the disaster-causing incident occurs. No Federal assistance under the Act shall be approved unless the damage or hardship to be alleviated resulted from the disaster-causing incident which took place during the incident period or was in anticipation of that incident. The incident period will be established by FEMA in the FEMA-State Agreement and published in the The preliminary damage assessment (PDA) process is a mechanism used to determine the impact and magnitude of damage and the resulting unmet needs of individuals, businesses, the public sector, and the community as a whole. Informtion collected is used by the State as a basis for the Governor's request, and by FEMA to document the recommendation made to the President in response to the Governor's request. It is in the best interest of all parties to combine State and Federal personnel resources by performing a joint PDA prior to the initiation of a Governor's request, as follows. (a) Preassessment by the State. When an incident occurs, or is imminent, which the State official responsible for disaster operations determines may be beyond the State and local government capabilities to respond, the State will request the Regional Director to perform a joint FEMA-State preliminary damage assessment. It is not anticipated that all occurrences will result in the requirement for assistance; therefore, the State will be expected to verify their initial information, in some manner, before requesting this support. (b) Damage assessment teams. Damage assessment teams will be composed of at least one representative of the Federal Government and one representative of the State. A local government representative, familiar with the extent and location of damage in his/her community, should also be included, if possible. Other State and Federal agencies, and voluntary relief organizations may also be asked to participate, as needed. It is the State's responsibility to coordinate State and local participation in the PDA and to ensure that the participants receive timely notification concerning the schedule. A FEMA official will brief team members on damage criteria, the kind of information to be collected for the particular incident, and reporting requirements. (c) Review of findings. At the close of the PDA, FEMA will consult with State officials to discuss findings and reconcile any differences. (d) Exceptions. The requirement for a joint PDA may be waived for those incidents of unusual severity and magnitude that do not require field damage assessments to determine the need for supplemental Federal assistance under the Act, or in such other instances determined by the Regional Director upon consultation with the State. It may be necessary, however, to conduct an assessment to determine unmet needs for managerial response purposes. (a) General. During the immediate aftermath of an incident which may ultimately qualify for a Presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency, when threats to life and property are present which cannot be effectively dealt with by the State or local governments, the Associate Director may direct DOD to utilize DOD personnel and equipment for removal of debris and wreckage and temporary restoration of essential public facilities and services. (b) Request process. The Governor of a State, or the Acting Governor in his/her absence, may request such DOD assistance. The Governor should submit the request to the Associate Director through the appropriate Regional Director to ensure prompt acknowledgment and processing. The request must be submitted within 48 hours of the occurrence of the incident. Requests made after that time may still be considered if information is submitted indicating why the request for assistance could not be made during the initial 48 hours. The request shall include: (1) Information describing the types and amount of DOD emergency assistance being requested; (2) Confirmation that the Governor has taken appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State emergency plan; (3) A finding that the situation is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary for the preservation of life and property; (4) A certification by the Governor that the State and local government will reimburse FEMA for the non-Federal share of the cost of such work; and (5) An agreement: (i) To provide all lands, easements and rights-of-way necessary to accomplish the approved work without cost to the United States; (ii) To hold and save the United States free from damages due to the requested work, and to indemnify the Federal government against any claims arising from such work; and (iii) To assist DOD in all support and local jurisdictional matters. (c) Processing the request. Upon receipt of the request, the Regional Director shall gather adequate information to support a recommendation and forward it to the Associate Director. If the Associate Director determines that such work is essential to save lives and protect property, he/she will issue a mission assignment to DOD authorizing direct Federal assistance to the extent deemed appropriate. (d) Implementation of assistance. The performance of emergency work may not exceed a period of 10 days from the date of the mission assignment. (e) Limits. Generally, no work shall be approved under this section which falls within the statutory authority of DOD or another Federal agency. However, where there are significant unmet needs of sufficient severity and magnitude, not addressed by other assistance, which could appropriately be addressed under this section of the Stafford Act, the involvement of other Federal agencies would not preclude the authorization of DOD assistance by the Associate Director. (f) Federal share. The Federal share of assistance under this section shall be not less than 75 percent of the cost of eligible work. (g) Project management. DOD shall ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the approved scope of work, costs, and time limitations in the mission assignment. DOD shall also keep the Regional Director and the State advised of work progress and other project developments. It is the responsibility of DOD to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State and local legal requirements. A final report will be submitted to the Regional Director upon termination of all direct Federal assistance work. Final reports shall be signed by a representative of DOD and the State. Once the final eligible cost is determined, DOD will request reimbursement from FEMA and FEMA will submit a bill to the State for the non-Federal share of the mission assignment. (h) Reimbursement of DOD. Reimbursement will be made in accordance with §206.8 of these regulations. (a) When an incident occurs or threatens to occur in a State, which would not qualify under the definition of a major disaster, the Governor of a State, or the Acting Governor in his/her absence, may request that the President declare an emergency. The Governor should submit the request to the President through the appropriate Regional Director to ensure prompt acknowledgment and processing. The request must be submitted within 5 days after the need for assistance under title V becomes apparent, but no longer than 30 days after the occurrence of the incident, in order to be considered. The period may be extended by the Associate Director provided that a written request for such extension is made by the Governor, or Acting Governor, during the 30-day period immediately following the incident. The extension request must stipulate the reason for the delay. (b) The basis for the Governor's request must be the finding that the situation: (1) Is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and the affected local government(s); and (2) Requires supplementary Federal emergency assistance to save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. (c) In addition to the above findings, the complete request shall include: (1) Confirmation that the Governor has taken appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State emergency plan; (2) Information describing the State and local efforts and resources which have been or will be used to alleviate the emergency; (3) Information describing other Federal agency efforts and resources which have been or will be used in responding to this incident; and (4) Identification of the type and extent of additional Federal aid required. (d) Modified declaration for Federal emergencies. The requirement for a Governor's request under paragraph (a) of this section can be waived when an emergency exists for which the primary responsibility rests in the Federal government because the emergency involves a subject area for which, under the Constitution or laws of the United States, the Federal government exercises exclusive or preeminent responsibility and authority. Any party may bring the existence of such a situation to the attention of the FEMA Regional Director. Any recommendation for a Presidential declaration of emergency in the absence of a Governor's request must be initiated by the Regional Director or transmitted through the Regional Director by another Federal agency. In determining that such an emergency exists, the Associate Director or Regional Director shall consult the Governor of the affected State, if practicable. (e) Other authorities. It is not intended for an emergency declaration to preempt other Federal agency authorities and/or established plans and response mechanisms in place prior to the enactment of the Stafford Act. (a) When a catastrophe occurs in a State, the Governor of a State, or the Acting Governor in his/her absence, may request a major disaster declaration. The Governor should submit the request to the President through the appropriate Regional Director to ensure prompt acknowledgment and processing. The request must be submitted within 30 days of the occurrence of the incident in order to be considered. The 30-day period may be extended by the Associate Director, provided that a written request for an extension is submitted by the Governor, or Acting Governor, during this 30-day period. The extension request will stipulate reasons for the delay. (b) The basis for the request shall be a finding that: (1) The situation is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments; and (2) Federal assistance under the Act is necessary to supplement the efforts and available resources of the State, local governments, disaster relief organizations, and compensation by insurance for disaster-related losses. (c) In addition to the above findings, the complete request shall include: (1) Confirmation that the Governor has taken appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State emergency plan; (2) An estimate of the amount and severity of damages and losses stating the impact of the disaster on the public and private sector; (3) Information describing the nature and amount of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to alleviate the results of the disaster; (4) Preliminary estimates of the types and amount of supplementary Federal disaster assistance needed under the Stafford Act; and (5) Certification by the Governor that State and local government obligations and expenditures for the current disaster will comply with all applicable cost sharing requirements of the Stafford Act. (d) For those catastrophes of unusual severity and magnitude when field damage assessments are not necessary to determine the requirement for supplemental Federal assistance, the Governor or Acting Governor may send an abbreviated written request through the Regional Director for a declaration of a major disaster. This may be transmitted in the most expeditious manner available. In the event the FEMA Regional Office is severely impacted by the catastrophe, the request may be addressed to the Director of FEMA. The request must indicate a finding in accordance with §206.36(b), and must include as a minimum the information requested by §206.36 (c)(1), (c)(3), and (c)(5). Upon receipt of the request, FEMA shall expedite the processing of reports and recommendations to the President. Notification to the Governor of the Presidential declaration shall be in accordance with 44 CFR 206.39. The Associate Director shall assure that documentation of the declaration is later assembled to comply fully with these regulations. (a) Acknowledgment. The Regional Director shall provide written acknowledgment of the Governor's request. (b) Regional summary. Based on information obtained by FEMA/State preliminary damage assessments of the affected area(s) and consultations with appropriate State and Federal officials and other interested parties, the Regional Director shall promptly prepare a summary of the PDA findings. The data will be analyzed and submitted with a recommendation to the Associate Director. The Regional Analysis shall include a discussion of State and local resources and capabilities, and other assistance available to meet the major disaster or emergency-related needs. (c) FEMA recommendation. Based on all available information, the Director shall formulate a recommendation which shall be forwarded to the President with the Governor's request. (1) Major disaster recommendation. The recommendation will be based on a finding that the situation is or is not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State and its local governments. It will also contain a determination of whether or not supplemental Federal assistance under the Stafford Act is necessary and appropriate. In developing a recommendation, FEMA will consider such factors as the amount and type of damages; the impact of damages on affected individuals, the State, and local governments; the available resources of the State and local governments, and other disaster relief organizations; the extent and type of insurance in effect to cover losses; assistance available from other Federal programs and other sources; imminent threats to public health and safety; recent disaster history in the State; hazard mitigation measures taken by the State or local governments, especially implementation of measures required as a result of previous major disaster declarations; and other factors pertinent to a given incident. (2) Emergency recommendation. The recommendation will be based on a report which will indicate whether or not Federal emergency assistance under section 502 of the Stafford Act is necessary to supplement State and local efforts to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Only after it has been determined that all other resources and authorities available to meet the crisis are inadequate, and that assistance provided in section 502 of the Stafford Act would be appropriate, will FEMA recommend an emergency declaration to the President. (d) Modified Federal emergency recommendation. The recommendation will be based on a report which will indicate that an emergency does or does not exist for which assistance under section 502 of the Stafford Act would be appropriate. An emergency declaration will not be recommended in situations where the authority to respond or coordinate is within the jurisdiction of one or more Federal agencies without a Presidential declaration. However, where there are significant unmet needs of sufficient severity and magnitude, not addressed by other assistance, which could appropriately be addressed under the Stafford Act, the involvement of other Federal agencies would not preclude a declaration of an emergency under the Act. (a) The Governor's request for a major disaster declaration may result in either a Presidential declaration of a major disaster or an emergency, or denial of the Governor's request. (b) The Governor's request for an emergency declaration may result only in a Presidential declaration of an emergency, or denial of the Governor's request. [55 FR 2292, Jan. 23, 1990; 55 FR 5458, Feb. 15, 1990] (a) The Governor will be promptly notified by the Director or his/her designee of a declaration by the President that an emergency or a major disaster exists. FEMA also will notify other Federal agencies and other interested parties. (b) The Governor will be promptly notified by the Director or his/her designee of a determination that the Governor's request does not justify the use of the authorities of the Stafford Act. (c) Following a major disaster or emergency declaration, the Regional Director or Associate Director will promptly notify the Governor of the designations of assistance and areas eligible for such assistance. (a) Eligible assistance. The Associate Director has been delegated authority to determine and designate the types of assistance to be made available. The initial designations will usually be announced in the declaration. Determinations by the Associate Director of the types and extent of FEMA disaster assistance to be provided are based upon findings whether the damage involved and its effects are of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the response capabilities of the State, the affected local governments, and other potential recipients of supplementary Federal assistance. The Associate Director may authorize all, or only particular types of, supplementary Federal assistance requested by the Governor. (b) Areas eligible to receive assistance. The Associate Director also has been delegated authority to designate the disaster-affected areas eligible for supplementary Federal assistance under the Stafford Act. These designations shall be published in the (c) Requests for additional designations after a declaration. After a declaration by the President, the Governor, or the GAR, may request that additional areas or types of supplementary Federal assistance be authorized by the Associate Director. Such requests shall be accompanied by appropriate verified assessments and commitments by State and local governments to demonstrate that the requested designations are justified and that the unmet needs are beyond State and local capabilities without supplementary Federal assistance. Additional assistance or areas added to the declaration will be published in the (d) Time limits to request. In order to be considered, all supplemental requests under paragraph (c) of this section must be submitted within 30 days from the termination date of the incident, or 30 days after the declaration, whichever is later. The 30-day period may be extended by the Associate Director provided that a written request is made by the appropriate State official during this 30-day period. The request must include justification of the State's inability to meet the deadline. (a) Federal Coordinating Officer. Upon a declaration of a major disaster or of an emergency by the President, the Director, or in his absence, the Deputy Director, or alternately, the Associate Director shall appoint an FCO who shall initiate action immediately to assure that Federal assistance is provided in accordance with the declaration, applicable laws, regulations, and the FEMA-State Agreement. (b) Disaster Recovery Manager. The Regional Director shall designate a DRM to exercise all the authority of the Regional Director in a major disaster or an emergency. (c) State Coordinating Officer. Upon a declaration of a major disaster or of an emergency, the Governor of the affected State shall designate an SCO who shall coordinate State and local disaster assistance efforts with those of the Federal Government. (d) Governor's Authorized Representative. In the FEMA-State Agreement, the Governor shall designate the GAR, who shall administer Federal disaster assistance programs on behalf of the State and local governments and other grant or loan recipients. The GAR is responsible for the State compliance with the FEMA-State Agreement. (a) Following a declaration of a major disaster or an emergency, the FCO shall: (1) Make an initial appraisal of the types of assistance most urgently needed; (2) In coordination with the SCO, establish field offices and Disaster Application Centers as necessary to coordinate and monitor assistance programs, disseminate information, accept applications, and counsel individuals, families and businesses concerning available assistance; (3) Coordinate the administration of relief, including activities of State and local governments, activities of Federal agencies, and those of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Mennonite Disaster Service, and other voluntary relief organizations which agree to operate under the FCO's advice and direction; (4) Undertake appropriate action to make certain that all of the Federal agencies are carrying out their appropriate disaster assistance roles under their own legislative authorities and operational policies; and (5) Take other action, consistent with the provisions of the Stafford Act, as necessary to assist citizens and public officials in promptly obtaining assistance to which they are entitled. (b) The SCO coordinates State and local disaster assistance efforts with those of the Federal Government working closely with the FCO. The SCO is the principal point of contact regarding coordination of State and local disaster relief activities, and implementation of the State emergency plan. The functions, responsibilities, and authorities of the SCO are set forth in the State emergency plan. It is the responsibility of the SCO to ensure that all affected local jurisdictions are informed of the declaration, the types of assistance authorized, and the areas eligible to receive such assistance. The Federal Coordinating Officer may activate emergency support teams, composed of Federal program and support personnel, to be deployed into an area affected by a major disaster or emergency. These emergency support teams assist the FCO in carrying out his/her responsibilities under the Stafford Act and these regulations. Any Federal agency can be directed to detail personnel within the agency's administrative jurisdiction to temporary duty with the FCO. Each detail shall be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status. (a) General. Upon the declaration of a major disaster or an emergency, the Governor, acting for the State, and the FEMA Regional Director or his/her designee, acting for the Federal Government, shall execute a FEMA-State Agreement. The FEMA-State Agreement states the understandings, commitments, and conditions for assistance under which FEMA disaster assistance shall be provided. This Agreement imposes binding obligations on FEMA, States, their local governments, and private nonprofit organizations within the States in the form of conditions for assistance which are legally enforceable. No FEMA funding will be authorized or provided to any grantees or other recipients, nor will direct Federal assistance be authorized by mission assignment, until such time as this Agreement for the Presidential declaration has been signed, except where it is deemed necessary by the Regional Director to begin the process of providing essential emergency services or housing assistance under the Individuals and Households Program. (b) Terms and conditions. This Agreement describes the incident and the incident period for which assistance will be made available, the type and extent of the Federal assistance to be made available, and contains the commitment of the State and local government(s) with respect to the amount of funds to be expended in alleviating damage and suffering caused by the major disaster or emergency. The Agreement also contains such other terms and conditions consistent with the declaration and the provisions of applicable laws, Executive Order and regulations. (c) Provisions for modification. In the event that the conditions stipulated in the original Agreement are changed or modified, such changes will be reflected in properly executed amendments to the Agreement, which may be signed by the GAR and the Regional Director or his/her designee for the specified major disaster or emergency. Amendments most often occur to close or amend the incident period, to add forms of assistance not originally authorized, or to designate additional areas eligible for assistance. (d) In a modified declaration for a Federal emergency, a FEMA-State Agreement may or may not be required based on the type of assistance being provided. [55 FR 2292, Jan. 23, 1990, as amended at 67 FR 61460, Sept. 30, 2002] (a) Conditions for making loans. At the request of the Governor, the Associate Director may lend or advance to a State, either for its own use or for the use of public or private nonprofit applicants for disaster assistance under the Stafford Act, the portion of assistance for which the State or other eligible disaster assistance applicant is responsible under the cost-sharing provisions of the Stafford Act in any case in which: (1) The State or other eligible disaster assistance applicant is unable to assume their financial responsibility under such cost sharing provisions: (i) As a result of concurrent, multiple major disasters in a jurisdiction, or (ii) After incurring extraordinary costs as a result of a particular disaster; (2) The damages caused by such disasters or disaster are so overwhelming and severe that it is not possible for the State or other eligible disaster assistance applicant to immediately assume their financial responsibility under the Act; and (3) The State and the other eligible disaster applicants are not delinquent in payment of any debts to FEMA incurred as a result of Presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies. (b) Repayment of loans. Any loan made to a State under paragraph (a) of this section must be repaid to the United States. The Governor must include a repayment schedule as part of the request for advance. (1) The State shall repay the loan (the principal disbursed plus interest) in accordance with the repayment schedule approved by the Associate Director. (2) If the State fails to make payments in accordance with the approved repayment schedule, FEMA will offset delinquent amounts against the current, prior, or any subsequent disasters, or monies due the State under other FEMA programs, in accordance with the established Claims Collection procedures. (c) Interest. Loans or advances under paragraph (a) of this section shall bear interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the reimbursement period of the loan or advance. Simple interest will be computed from the date of the disbursement of each drawdown of the loan/advance by the State based on 365 days/year. (a) Denial of declaration request. When a request for a major disaster declaration or for any emergency declaration is denied, the Governor may appeal the decision. An appeal must be made within 30 days after the date of the letter denying the request. This one-time request for reconsideration, along with appropriate additional information, is submitted to the President through the appropriate Regional Director. The processing of this request is similar to the initial request. (b) Denial of types of assistance or areas. In those instances when the type of assistance or certain areas requested by the Governor are not designated or authorized, the Governor, or the GAR, may appeal the decision. An appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the date of the letter denying the request. This one-time request for reconsideration, along with justification and/or additional information, is sent to the Associate Director through the appropriate Regional Director. (c) Denial of advance of non-Federal share. In those instances where the Governor's request for an advance is denied, the Governor may appeal the decision. An appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the date of the letter denying the request. This one-time request for reconsideration, along with justification and/or additional information, is sent to the Associate Director through the appropriate Regional Director. (d) Extension of time to appeal. The 30-day period referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section may be extended by the Associate Director provided that a written request for such an extension, citing reasons for the delay, is made during this 30-day period, and if the Associate Director agrees that there is a legitimate basis for extension of the 30-day period. Only the Governor may request a time extension for appeals covered in paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section. The Governor, or the GAR if one has been named, may submit the time extension request for appeals covered in paragraph (b) of this section. (a) We pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the eligible cost of permanent restorative work under section 406 of the Stafford Act and for emergency work under section 403 and section 407 of the Stafford Act, unless the Federal share is increased under this section. (b) We recommend an increase in the Federal cost share from seventy-five percent (75%) to not more than ninety percent (90%) of the eligible cost of permanent work under section 406 and of emergency work under section 403 and section 407 whenever a disaster is so extraordinary that actual Federal obligations under the Stafford Act, excluding FEMA administrative cost, meet or exceed a qualifying threshold of: (1) Beginning in 1999 and effective for disasters declared on or after May 21, 1999, $75 per capita of State population; (2) Effective for disasters declared after January 1, 2000, and through December 31, 2000, $85 per capita of State population; (3) Effective for disasters declared after January 1, 2001, $100 per capita of State population; and, (4) Effective for disasters declared after January 1, 2002 and for later years, $100 per capita of State population, adjusted annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published annually by the Department of Labor. (c) When we determine whether to recommend a cost-share adjustment we consider the impact of major disaster declarations in the State during the preceding twelve-month period. (d) If warranted by the needs of the disaster, we recommend up to one hundred percent (100%) Federal funding for emergency work under section 403 and section 407, including direct Federal assistance, for a limited period in the initial days of the disaster irrespective of the per capita impact. [64 FR 19498, Apr. 21, 1999] When we review a Governor's request for major disaster assistance under the Stafford Act, these are the primary factors in making a recommendation to the President whether assistance is warranted. We consider other relevant information as well. (a) Public Assistance Program. We evaluate the following factors to evaluate the need for assistance under the Public Assistance Program. (1) Estimated cost of the assistance. We evaluate the estimated cost of Federal and nonfederal public assistance against the statewide population to give some measure of the per capita impact within the State. We use a figure of $1 per capita as an indicator that the disaster is of such size that it might warrant Federal assistance, and adjust this figure annually based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers. We are establishing a minimum threshold of $1 million in public assistance damages per disaster in the belief that we can reasonably expect even the lowest population States to cover this level of public assistance damage. (2) Localized impacts. We evaluate the impact of the disaster at the county and local government level, as well as impacts at the American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribal Government levels, because at times there are extraordinary concentrations of damages that might warrant Federal assistance even if the statewide per capita is not met. This is particularly true where critical facilities are involved or where localized per capita impacts might be extremely high. For example, we have at times seen localized damages in the tens or even hundreds of dollars per capita though the statewide per capita impact was low. (3) Insurance coverage in force. We consider the amount of insurance coverage that is in force or should have been in force as required by law and regulation at the time of the disaster, and reduce the amount of anticipated assistance by that amount. (4) Hazard mitigation. To recognize and encourage mitigation, we consider the extent to which State and local government measures contributed to the reduction of disaster damages for the disaster under consideration. For example, if a State can demonstrate in its disaster request that a Statewide building code or other mitigation measures are likely to have reduced the damages from a particular disaster, we consider that in the evaluation of the request. This could be especially significant in those disasters where, because of mitigation, the estimated public assistance damages fell below the per capita indicator. (5) Recent multiple disasters. We look at the disaster history within the last twelve-month period to evaluate better the overall impact on the State or locality. We consider declarations under the Stafford Act as well as declarations by the Governor and the extent to which the State has spent its own funds. (6) Programs of other Federal assistance. We also consider programs of other Federal agencies because at times their programs of assistance might more appropriately meet the needs created by the disaster. (b) Factors for the Individual Assistance Program. We consider the following factors to measure the severity, magnitude and impact of the disaster and to evaluate the need for assistance to individuals under the Stafford Act. (1) Concentration of damages. We evaluate the concentrations of damages to individuals. High concentrations of damages generally indicate a greater need for Federal assistance than widespread and scattered damages throughout a State. (2) Trauma. We consider the degree of trauma to a State and to communities. Some of the conditions that might cause trauma are: (i) Large numbers of injuries and deaths; (ii) Large scale disruption of normal community functions and services; and (iii) Emergency needs such as extended or widespread loss of power or water. (3) Special populations. We consider whether special populations, such as low-income, the elderly, or the unemployed are affected, and whether they may have a greater need for assistance. We also consider the effect on American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribal populations in the event that there are any unique needs for people in these governmental entities. (4) Voluntary agency assistance. We consider the extent to which voluntary agencies and State or local programs can meet the needs of the disaster victims. (5) Insurance. We consider the amount of insurance coverage because, by law, Federal disaster assistance cannot duplicate insurance coverage. (6) Average amount of individual assistance by State. There is no set threshold for recommending Individual Assistance, but the following averages may prove useful to States and voluntary agencies as they develop plans and programs to meet the needs of disaster victims. Note: The high 3 and low 3 disasters, based on Disaster Housing Applications, are not considered in the averages. Number of Damaged/Destroyed Homes is estimated based on the number of owner-occupants who qualify for Eligible Emergency Rental Resources. Data source is FEMA's National Processing Service Centers. Data are only available from July 1994 to the present. Small Size States (under 2 million population, listed in order of 1990 population): Wyoming, Alaska, Vermont, District of Columbia, North Dakota, Delaware, South Dakota, Montana, Rhode Island, Idaho, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maine, New Mexico, Nebraska, Utah, West Virginia. U.S. Virgin Islands and all Pacific Island dependencies. Medium Size States (2–10 million population, listed in order of 1990 population): Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Iowa, Oregon, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Colorado, South Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Massachusetts, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Michigan. Puerto Rico. Large Size States (over 10 million population, listed in order of 1990 population): Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, New York, California. [64 FR 47698, Sept. 1, 1999]
Title 44: Emergency Management and Assistance
PART 206—FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTERS DECLARED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 23, 1988
Subpart B—The Declaration Process
§ 206.31 Purpose.
§ 206.32 Definitions.
§ 206.33 Preliminary damage assessment.
§ 206.34 Request for utilization of Department of Defense (DOD) resources.
§ 206.35 Requests for emergency declarations.
§ 206.36 Requests for major disaster declarations.
§ 206.37 Processing requests for declarations of a major disaster or emergency.
§ 206.38 Presidential determination.
§ 206.39 Notification.
§ 206.40 Designation of affected areas and eligible assistance.
§ 206.41 Appointment of disaster officials.
§ 206.42 Responsibilities of coordinating officers.
§ 206.43 Emergency support teams.
§ 206.44 FEMA-State Agreements.
§ 206.45 Loans of non-Federal share.
§ 206.46 Appeals.
§ 206.47 Cost-share adjustments.
§ 206.48 Factors considered when evaluating a Governor's request for a major disaster declaration.
Average Amount of Assistance per Disaster [July 1994 to July 1999]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Small states (under 2 Medium states (2-10 Large states (over 10 million pop.) million pop.) million pop.)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Average Population (1990 census 1,000,057............... 4,713,548.............. 15,522,791 data).Number of Disaster Housing 1,507................... 2,747.................. 4,679 Applications Approved.Number of Homes Estimated Major 173..................... 582.................... 801 Damage/Destroyed.Dollar Amount of Housing Assistance. $2.8 million $4.6 million $9.5 millionNumber of Individual and Family 495..................... 1,377.................. 2,071 Grant Applications Approved.Dollar Amount of Individual and 1.1 million............. 2.9 million............ 4.6 million Family Grant Assistance.Disaster Housing/IFG Combined 3.9 million............. 7.5 million............ 14.1 million Assistance.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
§§ 206.49-206.60 [Reserved]
Browse Previous |
Browse Next
