So how does FEMA work?
It all starts with your state govenor
After a disaster strikes, your governor needs to declare a state of emergency and ask for federal assistance. Only then can FEMA step in and provide assistance. At that point the President has three options for providing assistance. An Emergency Declaration, Major Disaster Declaration, or no assistance. But you learned all that when you read the Stafford Act, didn't you!
It's actually a state program
That's' right, but it's federally funded. That's why FEMA stays so involved. It's their money, and most states don't have the resources to administer it, and FEMA does. The state becomes the Grantee (applicant) of the grants, local governments and Private Non Profits (PNP's) become the sub-grantees (sub-applicants). It's important that you develop and maintain a good relationship with your state emergency management personnel that are administrating the program.
Applicants briefing. What's that?
Once there is an actual declaration, the state, with FEMA, will host a series of applicant briefings. This is where you learn about the FEMA programs, and make a Request For Public Assistance (RPA). get one here Nothing happens until it's completed and presented to the state and forwarded to FEMA.
Kick Off Meeting. That's where it all really starts.
After FEMA receives the RPA they will assign personnel to contact you and set up a Kick Off Meeting. This is when you will learn more about the FEMA programs, and set a time for FEMA (and perhaps their state counterparts) to inspect your damage. Keep in mind, FEMA is re-engineering the PA program. The titles of FEMA personnel and the delivery of the program is subject to change at any time. (more on this in another section)