A Historic Year in Emergency Management

On Jan. 7, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Puerto Rico and
launched FEMA into action. This would set the tone for emergency
management in 2020. What followed was a worldwide pandemic,
widespread wildfires and a historic hurricane season. Through it
all, FEMA has continued to prepare the nation for future disasters
and help it recover from those it has already faced.

The funds, people and assistance that fueled response efforts in
2020 are extensive. The numbers in the graphics below represent
just some of the results of these efforts.

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Pandemic Response

In one way or another, the pandemic has affected us all.
Businesses, states, individuals, all had to find new ways to do
their usual, day-to-day activities. They rose to meet these new
challenges in creative and unique ways. Many stories of how
communities came together to implement innovative solutions to
these challenges are shared on FEMA’s COVID-19
best practice page, which compiles best practices and lessons
learned throughout the pandemic response.

FEMA has also had to adjust and innovate to meet these new
challenges. For the first time, all 50 states, the District of
Columbia and 5 territories were approved for major disaster
declarations, something that FEMA had not seen before. New flexible
and quick action was needed that reached deep into our response
plans for every possible disaster. We collaborated with state,
local, tribal and territorial partners on the emergency response
challenges faced during operations in a pandemic environment. We
also worked together to provide critical supplies and support to
the American people.

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Disaster Recovery Reform Act

The challenges faced this year remind us why it’s so important
for the nation to be ready for any catastrophic event. This is why
the
Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 was first signed
into law. This year, FEMA continued to implement the act and work
to reduce the complexity of the agency.

Millions were provided in retroactive financial assistance and
to mitigation grants. FEMA also launched the Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities grant, which provides $500 million
to help state, local, tribal and territorial partners mitigate for
future disasters.

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This year has tested and solidified the resilience of Americans
and the ability of FEMA to hold up the nation. As we close out the
year, FEMA remains as prepared as always to carry out our mission
of supporting people before, during and after disasters.