A top official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expressed concern over the nation’s current threshold for declaring major disasters, stating that it may be too low. This comes amidst various changes that are looming for the agency under the Trump administration. During a recent congressional hearing, FEMA associate administrator Gregg Phillips criticized what he described as an “artificially low threshold” for disaster declarations.
Phillips, who has been with FEMA for over a decade, has a deep understanding of the agency’s operations and has seen firsthand the impact of disaster declarations on affected communities. In his testimony, he highlighted the need for a more realistic and practical approach to disaster declarations, one that takes into account the actual needs and challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of a disaster.
The current threshold for declaring a major disaster is based on a formula that considers the estimated cost of damage caused by a disaster. This cost must exceed a certain amount in order for a disaster to be declared and for federal assistance to be provided. However, Phillips argues that this formula does not accurately reflect the true impact of a disaster on a community. He believes that the threshold should be higher, taking into account other factors such as the severity of the disaster and the level of resources available to the affected community.
This is a sentiment that is shared by many in the disaster response and relief community. They have long been advocating for a more comprehensive approach to disaster declarations, one that goes beyond just the financial cost and looks at the overall impact on the affected community. With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, it is becoming more and more apparent that the current threshold is no longer sufficient.
Under the Trump administration, FEMA has been undergoing various changes, including budget cuts and restructuring. While some of these changes have been met with criticism, Phillips sees them as an opportunity for the agency to reassess its operations and make necessary improvements. He believes that by raising the threshold for disaster declarations, FEMA can better focus its resources on areas that truly need assistance, ensuring that the agency’s efforts are targeted and effective.
In addition to raising the threshold, Phillips also suggested other changes that could be made to improve FEMA’s disaster response. This includes streamlining the process for requesting and receiving federal assistance, as well as increasing the agency’s capacity for pre-disaster planning and mitigation efforts. By taking a more proactive approach, FEMA can help communities better prepare for disasters and minimize the impact when they do occur.
Despite the challenges and changes facing FEMA, Phillips remains optimistic about the agency’s future. He believes that with the right adjustments and improvements, FEMA can continue to effectively serve the American people in times of crisis. He also stressed the importance of collaboration and coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in disaster response and recovery efforts.
In conclusion, the comments made by FEMA associate administrator Gregg Phillips shed light on an important issue that has been overlooked for too long. By acknowledging the need for a higher threshold for disaster declarations, he has opened the door for a much-needed discussion and potential changes within the agency. With a more realistic and comprehensive approach, FEMA can better fulfill its mission of helping communities recover from disasters and build back stronger.