The Stafford Act

In 1988, an act was passed that provides legal authority for the federal government to provide assistance to states during declared major disasters and emergencies. Keep reading to learn more about this act and how it affects us today.

What is the Stafford Act? 


The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, also known as the Stafford Act, authorizes the President to issue major disaster or emergency declarations in response to catastrophes in the United States that overwhelm state and local governments. These declarations result in the distribution of a wide range of federal aid to individuals and families, certain nonprofit organizations and public agencies.

How It Works


Before requesting a presidential declaration under the Stafford Act, the governor of an affected state must first respond to the emergency event and execute the state's emergency response plan. The governor must certify in writing that the magnitude of the event exceeds the state's capacity to respond and that supplemental federal assistance is necessary. In addition, the President may provide accelerated federal assistance (without the written request) where it is necessary to save lives or prevent severe damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates administration of disaster relief resources and assistance to states.

Covered Events


The Stafford Act covers major disasters and emergencies. Major disasters are defined as any natural catastrophe or fire, flood or explosion, regardless of cause., which is of sufficient severity to warrant assistance under the act to alleviate the damage, loss or hardship caused by the event. Emergencies are defined as any event for which federal assistance is needed to supplement state/local efforts to save lives, protect public health and safety, protect property or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Pandemic influenza and other communicable diseases are also defined as emergencies eligible for coverage under the Stafford Act.

Assistance Available


Three types of assistance are authorized by the Stafford Act: individual assistance, hazard mitigation and public assistance. At Big Bags USA®, we are concerned with the hazard mitigation assistance. We believe it's better to prepare beforehand, than to clean up the mess afterwards. The hazard mitigation assistance provides grants to affected governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. Only areas within the geographic area designated in the declaration are eligible for hazard mitigation aid. Hazard mitigation assistance is available for major disasters, but not emergencies under the Stafford Act.

For further explanation on the Stafford Act, please visit: http://bit.ly/29xROVb.

Hazard Mitigation with Big Bags USA®


When it comes to hazard mitigation, Big Bags USA® has flood control covered. Our innovative flood barriers provide lightening fast flood protection at a fraction of the costs normally associated with rapid deployed systems. The systems can be re-used as well, so there's no need to budget for new systems every year. For more information on Big Bags USA® flood protection, give us a call at 800-337-0537 today!

If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.


D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

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ALWAYS READY TO HELP LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL AGENCIES ... BE PREPARED!

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