Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) News

Millions of Texans Live in Counties Without Hazard Mitigation Plan

LUFKIN โ€” More than 100 Texas counties do not have a hazard mitigation plan, federal data shows, cutting off access to billions in non-emergency grants to help rebuild infrastructure after natural disasters. Of 254 counties in the state, 103 counties …

FEMA Is Ready for Hurricane and Wildfire Seasons, but Money a Concern

The head of the Homeland Security Department said Friday that the agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country is prepared as it goes into what is expected to be an intense hurricane and wildfire season but he’s concerned …

Southeast Seas Rising Faster Than Other Regions, ‘Turbocharging’ Floods, Report Finds

From the Rio Grande to the Outer Banks, sea levels are rising faster than most other parts of the world, blocking the outflow of rivers and streams and causing inland flooding that would not have been seen just a few …

FEMA: SW Florida Stripped of Flood Insurance Discounts After ‘Improper Rebuilds’

After spiking premiums, nonrenewals and complaints about unpaid claims, more than 115,000 property owners in southwest Florida are now facing a new slap in the face after 2022’s Hurricane Ian: 25% higher flood insurance rates because local officials reportedly allowed …

Massachusetts Appeals Denial of Federal Disaster Aid for Fall Flooding

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is appealing a decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deny the state’s request for a major disaster declaration to support cities and towns battered by severe weather and flooding in September. Healey said the …

Reforms to US Disaster Aid Expose Growing Home Insurance Gap

When disaster hits in the US, the federal government gives aid to states and counties, but also to individuals. In 2022, the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered $3.25 billion to nearly 1.4 million households recovering from damaging floods and fires. …

New FEMA Rules Aim to Cut the Red Tape of Disaster Recovery

Anyone who has lived through a natural disaster and then applied to the federal government for assistance knows that it can be a lengthy, frustrating and bureaucratic process. New rules announced Friday by the federal agency in charge of emergency …

FEMA Names Nearly 500 US Communities as ‘Resilience Zones’

Rikers Island in the Bronx, New York, made the list due to its extreme vulnerability to flooding. Lincoln, Wyoming, was selected because of its high avalanche risk. And the danger of both earthquakes and drought propelled part of Alameda, California, …

Severe Weather Set to Boost US Disaster Funding Needs, FEMA Says

Growing extreme-weather risks mean President Joe Biden’s expected request for billions in extra disaster-relief funding might not be enough for the next fiscal year, FEMA head Deanne Criswell said. Biden’s roughly $12 billion request would cover the spending year ending …

FEMA Index Offers Closer Look at Social Risks in Disaster Resilience

The free digital tool that the US government gives communities to help evaluate local risks from 18 natural hazards is getting a makeover. The Federal Emergency Management Agency introduced the National Risk Index last summer. Aimed primarily at planners and …