FLOSSI & FEMA ON BOMB CYCLONE DUTY
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocates its budget across various programs and activities to effectively manage disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The ten major cost centers for FEMA include:
Disaster Relief Fund (DRF): The DRF is the primary source for federal disaster response and recovery, covering expenses such as debris removal, infrastructure repair, and individual assistance programs. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provided FEMA $20.261 billion for the DRF.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Administered by FEMA, the NFIP provides flood insurance to property own1ers, renters, and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. As of 2024, the NFIP had over 5 million policies in force, with coverage exceeding $1.3 trillion.
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP): This program encompasses grants like the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative, supporting state and local efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism and other hazards. In FY 2024, the Department of Homeland Security announced final allocations of nearly $724 million in six competitive preparedness grant programs, including the HSGP.
Public Assistance Program: This program offers grants to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as certain private nonprofits, to assist with response and recovery activities, including debris removal and infrastructure restoration.For instance, following Hurricane Helene in 2024, FEMA allocated over $210 million in aid for recovery efforts.
Individual Assistance Program: This program provides financial help and services to individuals and households affected by disasters, covering temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, FEMA distributed significant funds to support affected individuals, though specific amounts vary based on assessed needs.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): This program supports projects that reduce disaster risk in communities, aiming to decrease future disaster losses by funding mitigation measures.In August 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced nearly $3 billion in project selections to help communities build resilience to climate change and extreme weather events, with a portion allocated through FEMA's mitigation programs.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program: This program, administered by FEMA, allows local service organizations to offer food, shelter, and supportive services to individuals and families in economic crises. In FY 2024, the program received $130 million to support these efforts.
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR): FEMA funds and coordinates specialized teams that respond to structural collapses and other complex rescue operations during disasters. In FY 2024, the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System received $37.832 million to maintain readiness and response capabilities.
Continuity of Operations (COOP) ensures that essential government functions continue during a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.FEMA's National Continuity Programs Directorate oversees these efforts, and funding is allocated to the agency's overall budget.
Training and Exercises: FEMA invests in training programs and exercises for emergency responders and officials to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities in various disaster scenarios.In FY 2024, FEMA allocated $276.1 million for training, exercises, and education programs.
