The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the U.S. federal agency charged with managing federal disaster response.
November 17, 2025
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definition
Describes FEMA's primary mission and role in the federal government.
U.S. law requires the FEMA administrator to have emergency management experience, and administrations may appoint temporary 'acting' officials to perform the administrator's duties without those statutory qualifications.
November 17, 2025
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legal
Statutory qualification for the FEMA administrator and the use of acting appointments as a mechanism to fill the role.
A federal major disaster declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal financial assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by disasters and, in some cases, to provide survivors with money for repairs and temporary housing.
October 23, 2025
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policy
Describes the general effects of U.S. federal major disaster declarations.
A 2025 Gallup nationwide poll found that Americans' approval ratings for six major federal agencies—FEMA, the CIA, the CDC, the FDA, the EPA and the IRS—declined compared to 2024 and were at or near their lowest levels in Gallup records dating back to 2003.
September 16, 2025
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temporal
Comparison of 2025 agency approval ratings to 2024 and to Gallup's historical record since 2003.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces flood maps that designate Special Flood Hazard Areas, floodways, and floodplains.
July 04, 2025
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temporal
FEMA mapping identifies areas with elevated flood risk for planning and regulatory purposes.
The U.S. Fire Administration operates under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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general
Organizational relationship between a federal fire safety agency and FEMA.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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organizational
Describes the institutional relationship between FEMA and DHS.
An acting head of FEMA can be designated with the title 'Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator'.
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organizational
Describes a formal or commonly used title for someone serving as FEMA's acting administrator.
FEMA coordinates federal disaster response activities, including the deployment of search-and-rescue teams.
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operational
Summarizes FEMA's operational role in federal disaster response.