Evaluating a Request for a Major Disaster Declaration

Federal law provides that a finding must be made that an incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond state and local capabilities and that Federal assistance is necessary. In addition, Federal law restricts the use of arithmetical formulas or sliding scales based on income or population as the sole basis for determining the need for federal disaster supplemental aid.

A number of factors are evaluated in reviewing a Governor's request. The primary factors considered include:

Amount and type of damage (number of homes destroyed or with major damage);
Impact on the infrastructure of affected areas or critical facilities;
Imminent threats to public health and safety;
Impacts to essential government services and functions;
Unique capability of Federal government;
Dispersion or concentration of damage;
Level of insurance coverage in place for homeowners and public facilities;
Assistance available from other sources (Federal, State, local, voluntary organizations);
State and local resource commitments from previous, undeclared events; and
Frequency of disaster events over recent time period.
For Public Assistance only -- Per-capita impact for FY2008 - $1.24 for States; $3.11 for Counties

The very nature of disasters-their unique circumstances, the unexpected timing, and varied impacts-precludes a complete listing of factors considered when evaluating disaster declaration requests. However, the above lists most primary considerations.

Learn more about the declaration process.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 04-Mar-2008 09:53:23 EST