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FEMA Focus: Updates on U.S. Emergency Preparedness and Responses

Climate & Sustainability Infrastructure

Published on February 28, 2025

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates within the federal government to help communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and emergencies. FEMA operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is the nation’s lead disaster and crisis management agency. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its mission is to help citizens “before, during, and after disasters.” While FEMA employs 20,000 civil servants, the workforce can swell to more than 50,000 during major disasters. FEMA also emphasizes community resilience by promoting disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The agency educates the public on emergency planning, supplies, and evacuation strategies. It also fact-checks rumors online to nullify disinformation surrounding disasters. FEMA works closely with state, tribal, and local governments and private-sector partners to enhance nationwide preparedness. 

While FEMA is critical in disaster response and recovery, it operates within specific eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is determined by the Stafford Act, which outlines the authority for most disaster response activities and prioritizes public and non-profit entities for disaster relief. For-profit organizations, such as taxpaying hospitals, are generally ineligible for FEMA funding despite their essential role in community recovery during crises.

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