FEMA head tells states to prepare to handle most disasters on their own

“Every state must have the appropriate financial reserves” so recovery can start immediately, FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton told state officials, according to a recording of his remarks.

— FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton

Hamilton spoke Tuesday to state emergency managers in Little Rock, Arkansas, and said changes to federal disaster assistance could begin in the next six months.

Background

A FEMA report released Friday found that state disaster agencies are typically understaffed and underfunded, and many depend heavily on federal assistance.