Federal Disaster Planning and Relief

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Federal Disaster Planning and Relief Policy Meghan Cline American National Government: POL 201 Instructor Angela Hermosillo May 22, 2013 When a natural disaster strikes, it is natural for others who were not affected to want to help by donating money, shelter, clothing, or even rebuild communities and cities. We come together as a nation and care for one another. Knowing that it could have been us in that position or that it could possibly be in the future. The different levels of government have their duties as well when it comes to aiding when Mother Nature strikes. Federal, state, and local governments pre-plan and prepare for disasters hoping to be better prepared when events like tornados, hurricanes, or wildfires take place. In the United States, private sectors and states rely greatly on assistance from the federal government. This is because the federal government has better means to have funds readily available, rather than states that cannot afford the costly amounts that a natural disaster can cause. To better understand the role that the federal government plays in funding disaster planning and relief efforts, it is good to know the history behind why they are responsible. During the years 1803 and 1950, Congress had to pass a separate law in order to provide Federal funds to each disaster that occurred. Within those 147 years, Congress had to pass 128 separate laws to distribute funds. In 1950, Congress finally passed the Federal Disaster Relief Act, which gave the President the ability to provide relief once officially declaring the affects of a natural disaster a major disaster area. This act would supplement resources that the State and local governments could not afford. This act clarified that the Federal government only supplies funds only when the State and local needed additional funds for relief. After Hurricane Agnes in 1972,
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