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Can FEMA Still Protect Us? Deanne Criswell on Disaster Response, Katrina’s Lessons, and America’s Readiness
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Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins The People’s Cabinet for a conversation about the state of America’s disaster preparedness, what’s at stake this hurricane season, and why FEMA must remain nonpartisan in order to save lives.
Criswell talks to Dan Koh about:
- How FEMA has evolved since Hurricane Katrina — and where she fears the agency is slipping backwards
- How FEMA positions resources for disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts
- Lessons from Hurricane Helene, Texas flooding, and why speed and coordination matter most
- The controversy around FEMA’s new Immediate Needs Assistance program and misinformation about aid
- Why FEMA’s leadership gaps could put lives at risk in future disasters
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Chapters
1. Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Concerns About Preparedness for Hurricanes (00:01:22)
3. Quick Overview of FEMA and Its Value in Disaster Response (00:02:36)
4. How Early FEMA Gets Notification of Potential Disasters (00:05:12)
5. FEMA's Coordination and Resources in Helene Response (00:06:37)
6. Impact of Misinformation on FEMA (00:08:43)
7. Emergency vs. Major Disaster Declarations (00:11:28)
8. Importance of Federal and Local Government Cooperation (00:13:12)
9. Importance of FEMA Administrator's On-Ground Presence (00:16:10)
10. Recent Changes to FEMA's Structure and Leadership (00:17:06)
11. Departures of Key FEMA Officials and Regional Impacts (00:18:38)
12. Texas Flooding and Delays in Response (00:20:51)
13. Early Warning Systems and Hazard Mitigation Funding (00:23:20)
14. Proposals to Reduce or Close FEMA (00:24:48)
15. Implications of Losing FEMA and Block Grants to States (00:27:43)
16. Scale of FEMA's Resources and Stockpiles (00:29:08)
17. Non-Partisanship in FEMA's Aid Administration (00:30:45)
18. Concerns for Current Hurricane Season (00:35:05)
19. Advice for Disaffected People (00:36:39)
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