Emphasis should be on States and Local Communities. FEMA provides the funding. May 28, 2020

TRUST.  Lost.  Shall it now be at the policy-maker level.

Policy makers are still missing the boat, and on a business as usual approach.

The emphasis should be on local community plans to address multiple crisis and disasters, not FEMA.

FEMA can respond with national resources to address major significant crisis and disasters at the State level, but what have the States, Counties, Cities, and Local level accomplished the meet the demands of increase in disasters, public health issues (COVID-19), and the future impacts of climate change.

Questions should be focused getting resources before and after a disaster occurs to communities in States, Counties, more on those vulnerable communities.

1. What State, County, City, and Local emergency management offices\agencies are managed and controlled by the Law Enforcement entities?
2. Are DHS\FEMA pre- and post disaster fundings control by Law Enforcement or thru these entities?
3. Are more funds placed on law enforcement equipment, education, training, and resources than local 'grass level' community organizations to address single and multiple disasters?
4. What are the percentages of  DHS\FEMA funding for each State and County within these jurisdictions of FEMA and other funding for pre- and post disasters?
5. Why can't DHS\FEMA grant and other funding for Law Enforcement be shifted to Department of Justice grant and funding programs for better oversight?

All disasters are local, and all resources should be allocated to the lowest levels in communities to address these issues.

CDS

Chairman\CEO

Cornell University Climate Fellow

BEMA International

Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chairman Thompson and Committee Democrats Write FEMA on its Ability to Respond to Multiple Disasters During the COVID-19 Pandemic The Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1

May 28, 2020 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Democratic Members of the Committee, sent a letter to Peter Gaynor, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), raising concerns about the agency’s ability to respond to multiple disasters simultaneously during the COVID-19 pandemic and asking for a briefing on their preparation efforts.  The Atlantic Hurricane Season does not begin until June 1 and there have already been two named storms this month, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above normal season.   “Given these projections, we are concerned about FEMA’s capacity to manage natural disaster preparedness and response efforts during the ongoing pandemic,” the Committee Members write. “Going forward, FEMA needs to take a proactive role in procuring the staffing and resources necessary to respond, keeping in mind that conventional disaster response strategies, such as communal shelters and volunteer recovery and supply distribution efforts, could pose increased health and safety risks during the pandemic.” Link to letter #  #  #