Extreme heat events have become a regular concern for many parts of the US and are responsible for significant numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. However, unlike other natural disasters, areas affected are not eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA, as they’re not included in the Stafford Act. Increasingly, western lawmakers are pushing for an amendment to that same act, with the hopes of getting increased support during heat waves. Says Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate for the Natural Resources Council, “Right now, FEMA doesn’t treat extreme heat in the same way as it does other disasters because it can’t.”
That doesn’t mean FEMA isn’t doing anything, however. The organization has programs to raise awareness about heat related threats, and funding to support emergency preparedness for heat mitigation. Says Deanne Criswell, FEMA administrator, “Just because we don’t necessarily have the authorities right now in the Stafford Act, that doesn’t mean we’re sitting idly by.”
As to how FEMA would be able to respond, if the Stafford Act is revised, is unclear, due to the unique challenges heat imposes. Says Constible, “Disasters tend to be defined in terms of property damage. Very expensive things get broken and that’s when a disaster gets declared. But heat is more of a health problem.”
Source:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/08/politics/heat-fema-federal-response-biden-climate/index.html
