The Major Disaster Process

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

1. Local government officials respond, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies such as the Red Cross. If overwhelmed, local governments turn to the state for assistance
2. The state officials respond to support by mobilizing state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies.
3. A damage assessment is conducted by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations to determine losses and recovery needs.
4. A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, with an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery.
5. FEMA evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state’s ability to recover.
6. The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.