How FEMA Works
FEMA's mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. In this article learn what you can expect from FEMA in each stage.
FEMA plays a vital role in helping individuals, communities, and governments prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Before disasters occur, FEMA promotes preparedness through public education, the Ready Campaign, the FEMA App, flood risk awareness, and the National Flood Insurance Program. The agency also strengthens community resilience by providing grants, training, and technical assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.
During disasters, FEMA coordinates the federal response after a Presidential disaster declaration under the Stafford Act. Depending on the severity of the event, emergency or major disaster declarations may provide assistance to individuals, communities, and public entities. FEMA administers programs that support emergency sheltering, home repairs, hazard mitigation, debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of public infrastructure. Disaster Recovery Centers and other field offices provide survivors with in-person assistance throughout the recovery process.
After disasters, FEMA continues supporting long-term recovery by working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments through recovery planning, resilience initiatives, and the National Disaster Recovery Framework, promoting a coordinated, whole-community approach to rebuilding stronger and reducing future disaster risk. How FEMA Works | FEMA.gov