Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday evening, making it the second hurricane to strike the state in two weeks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is once again preparing supplies and personnel to respond to the disaster and coordinating with state and local officials. There has been misinformation circulating about FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene, with critics alleging that the agency is not doing enough to help survivors. False rumors, including claims that federal relief money could lead to land seizure or that FEMA is stopping trucks full of supplies, have added to the confusion about the agency’s role during disasters.
FEMA’s role in a disaster is to provide assistance when state or tribal governments are overwhelmed and request federal help. The president must approve disaster declarations before FEMA can provide aid. The agency offers financial assistance to individuals affected by disasters for immediate needs like medicine or housing, as well as long-term help to rebuild public infrastructure. Following Hurricane Helene, FEMA has already distributed over $286 million in aid, but there have been complaints about the bureaucratic process. Local officials in Asheville, North Carolina, are working with FEMA to address issues with denied claims and expedite solutions.
FEMA does not take control of disaster responses, as that responsibility falls to the state and affected communities. Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized that the agency supports the work of local emergency managers and does not take over their role. Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate explained that FEMA plays a supporting role in the initial response, with governors typically in charge during emergency situations. The agency’s focus is on providing resources to local emergency managers, first responders, and state partners to ensure they have the necessary support.
In terms of supplies and personnel, FEMA sends water, food, tarps, and staff to areas impacted by disasters. For Hurricane Milton, FEMA has established five staging bases with food and water supplies, as well as search and rescue teams. Assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies, including high-water vehicles and helicopters, has been deployed to help with the response. Ahead of Milton’s landfall, FEMA has 1,000 responders on the ground, many of whom were already assisting with previous disasters and are shifting their focus to the new hurricane.
Despite complaints about FEMA not reaching some areas affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Administrator Criswell clarified that the agency is providing support through other channels, such as the National Guard, even if residents do not see FEMA personnel on the ground. FEMA’s resources are utilized to deliver essential supplies like water and food to affected areas. The agency continues to work alongside state and local partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response to Hurricane Milton.
