The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may provide help to save human life, prevent immediate human suffering or mitigate property damage. Assistance is limited to the preservation of life and the protection of public property, to include public and private facilities that provide public services. During natural disasters and other emergencies, the Corps can respond by providing engineering expertise and direct support to supplement local and state government efforts. The Corps can also assist in recovery operations when tasked by FEMA to provide drinking water, clean up debris, provide auxiliary power as well as make repairs to and provide temporary housing or roofing.
Every year, the Corps of Engineers sends hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people to respond to disasters around the world. When disasters occur, it is not just a local Corps district or office that responds. Personnel and other resources are mobilized from across the country to carry out our response and recovery missions.