The Government's Respondingt On Natural Disasters

Natural disasters have occurred for centuries, these acts of God, are not a new phenomenon. A natural disaster is a natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes great damage or loss of life. However, with human development, the severity of these disasters have worsened. From Hurricane Katrina to the recent wreckage of the Anchorage wildfires, in the past decade, the US has been plagued with these occurrences. These events can cause an emotional toll, as well as financial strain due to the damage or loss of homes, business, and property. Unfortunately, some disaster even results in the loss of lives. This then calls for a recuperation effort, for people to be able to get their lives together and pick up from where they left off. 

Though people individually must get back on their feet, the community, as well as state hit by this disaster, must figure out how to rebuild also. With all this in mind, there is still and an underlying question which must be answered. Where are communities supposed to put without a home? How are communities supposed to find the resources to restart businesses? What funds are communities supposed to use to rebuild? This poses the question, who should pay for recovery, and what role should local, state, and federal agencies contribute? In my opinion, the local government should pay for recovery with assistance from the state and local government. Currently, when disaster hits in the US, the local government responds first, then turns to the state government if the situation exceeds their predictions, who then goes to the federal government which may ask FEMA to step in. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a federal agency that supports the citizens and first responders. Presently most disasters are already handled by local government and occasionally the state government; which means disaster relief is designated domestically. This method is more practical and efficient because the local government is able to evaluate the damage within their area. They would be able to know what exactly must be done and what resources are needed that community and how those resources can be distributed best. Going through the federal government would be a lengthy process when disaster survivors need immediate relief, attention, and support. There are too many boundaries that would prevent the resources needed for these survivors as well. 

People in our country may also complain about the fact that their money is being used for disaster survivors when the disaster does not directly affect them. I also believe it would be more beneficial for local agencies and government to handle natural disasters because if the federal government were to handle these disasters all by themselves, the federal government would be overwhelmed. If each local government and agency is able to handle these incidents on their own, with additional support, the federal government would be able to distribute resources and aid more easily without the weight of the whole countries calamities on their shoulders. In order for local and state government to take care of disasters more efficiently, there must a disaster preparedness plan as well as a recovery plan. This plan must be prepared ahead of time with a plan that correlates with local, state, and federal responses. This plan must be clear and viable so an accurate evaluation can be made making areas of assistance known. Within this plan, an agreement should be made with the private sector. The private sector is the part of the national economy that is not directly under government control. After natural disasters, the private sector has more provisions equipped to move resources to areas that the public response. Many hospitals will not have the vital supplies and medication needed to treat patients after natural disasters. Working with the private sector would provide more efficient and speedy responses. Furthermore, the federal government should ensure that private health care providers are fully equipped for these disasters and effortlessly fused into federal responses.

 In conclusion, if local and state governments were to respond to natural disasters, not only would it be beneficial to the survivors, it would be beneficial to our nation as a whole.