From the recent rash of natural disasters to the threat of terror attacks now more than ever towns, municipalities and cities need to prepare for worst case scenarios. This planning and training also comes with a high price tag that many communities cannot afford. The federal government understands this but at the same time still wants all communities to have systems in place with trained staff so when disaster strikes they are ready. To help communities fund these programs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) branch of the government offers disaster preparedness grants through their office. This financial assistance through applications is open to financially assist state, tribal and local governments with disaster mitigation and recovery.
Posted on FEMA’s official government website, their mission statement reads “to support citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.” Through this mission, FEMA has consistently been assisting Americans who are affected by, or are in, emergency situations by providing disaster relief grant while also providing disaster preparedness grants to fund services it offers to prepare, prevent, respond and recover from emergency situations. The following provides information on a few of FEMA’s grants that are offered.
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAG)Funding support in the form of a disaster relief grant for preventing and extinguishing of fires on public and private territory and only given if the fire threatens to become a major disaster. Allowed costs include transportation, tools, repairs and equipment that will be used to retain and extinguish the fire. FEMA reviews the application and within a matter of hours the grant may be given.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)If the president declares a major disaster then this grant will be available to state, local and tribal governments. The affected area puts together an application that shows the magnitude of the situation caused by the disaster forwards it to their state officials. The state will prioritize all applications or may designate the whole state is in need of financial assistance. FEMA will grant funding to those they deem to reduce the risk and immediate damage brought by the disaster.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM)This disaster preparedness grant is for lowering damage and an injury before the next disaster occurs. This grant is to increase public awareness concerning the impact of the damage and danger that can occur with a major disaster. FEMA assesses the applications and awards grant funding.
Public Assistance Program Grant (PA)If the president declares a major disaster then this grant will be available to not only to state, local and tribal governments, but also allows applications from private nonprofits and individual projects. The grant is meant for debris removal, building repairs or replacement and adding protective measures.These are sent directly to FEMA for approval