FEMA to Start Getting Involved in California Wildfires

According to FEMA, if a President of the United States declares a 'emergency', it means that the President has seen that there is an area with in a state or states of the U.S. that is in need for federal assistance to help local and state authorities deal with a particular situation. That the federal government is needed monetarily and physically, to help save lives, secure an area, protect its citizens, maintain public health and safety, and to prevent devastation.

President Bush recently declared a state of emergency in California due to the constant threat by the wild fires that have been plaguing the state and the subsequent threat of other disasters such as landslides. Under the emergency declaration for California, there are several aid programs that are available to those that need them as long as they qualify.

Governments, State and Local, that are affected, may receive assistance. Such assistance can include seventy five percent or more of the cost to remove debris from public areas. Also, at least seventy five percent of the cost of any measures done to secure public property, protect public safety, and save lives.

FEMA will pay up to five million dollars for aid in states of emergency, but may go over that amount if the President sees the need and goes to Congress for approval.

If a local government in California wants to file for assistance, then they will need to go to the federal/state applicant briefings. The locations and times have not been announced as of yet, but will be soon. The best way to find out about the meetings would be to contact the recovery officials in their local area. Public buildings, etc. that are in need of repair due to the disaster are paid for by the state through funds provided by FEMA and other federal agencies.

FEMA is the coordinator of all federal involvement in a state of emergency. It is constantly in a state of preparedness to respond to and recover from disasters. FEMA also is federally in charge of coordinating the prevention of domestic disasters. It does not matter if the emergency is natural or caused by man.