Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, tasked with coordinating the response to emergencies and disasters within the United States. FEMA also provides assistance to state and local governments, and non-profit organizations in the wake of disasters. FEMA is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

FEMA was created in 1979, in the wake of the devastating failure of the federal government to respond effectively to the 1972 Hurricane Agnes. Since its inception, FEMA has responded to more than 200 major disasters, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2017 hurricanes.

FEMA's primary mission is to "reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters." FEMA also coordinates the federal government's response to emergencies, and provides assistance to state and local governments, and non-profit organizations in the wake of disasters. FEMA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. What federal agency does FEMA fall under? FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Is FEMA a federal government job? FEMA is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is responsible for responding to emergencies and disasters. FEMA is not a federal government job, but it is a job that is supported by the federal government. Are FEMA employees federal agents? FEMA employees are not federal agents. However, they may be deputized by the Attorney General to enforce certain laws, such as the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

How does FEMA decide who gets money?

FEMA's primary goal is to protect life and property, so the agency focuses its assistance on survivors of disasters who have immediate needs for shelter, food, water, and medical assistance. FEMA also provides longer-term assistance to help survivors rebuild their homes and businesses.

FEMA assistance is available to survivors of major disasters who have been declared by the President of the United States. To be eligible for FEMA assistance, survivors must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who have been displaced from their homes and are unable to return because of the disaster.

FEMA assistance is not available to survivors who have adequate resources to meet their needs. For example, FEMA assistance is not available to survivors who have insurance that covers their losses. FEMA also does not provide assistance to survivors who can be reasonably expected to obtain assistance from other sources, such as family, friends, or charitable organizations.

FEMA assistance is provided in the form of grants. FEMA does not provide loans, and FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA grants can be used to cover expenses such as temporary housing, home repairs, essential household items, and medical and dental expenses.

To apply for FEMA assistance, survivors must register with the agency online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Does FEMA give free money? FEMA does not give free money. The agency provides grants and low-interest loans to help people and businesses recover from disasters.