>> This, of course, is untrue.
No it isn't.
fema.gov
When a disaster occurs and a locality has responded to the best of its ability and is, or will be, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the damage, the community turns to the State for help. The Governor, after examining the situation, may direct that the State's emergency plan be executed, direct the use of State police or the National Guard, or commit other resources, as appropriate to the situation. If it is evident that the situation is or will be beyond the combined capabilities of the local and State resources, the Governor may request that the President declare, under the authority of the Stafford Act, that an emergency or major disaster exists in the State.
While this request is being processed, local and State government officials should not delay in taking the necessary response and recovery actions. Such actions should not be dependent upon whether there will be Federal assistance.
Declaration Process
The request for a declaration must come from the Governor or Acting Governor. Before sending a formal request letter to the President, the Governor will request that FEMA conduct a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with the State to verify damage and estimate the amount of supplemental assistance that will be needed. If the Governor believes that Federal assistance is necessary after this assessment is complete, the Governor sends a request letter to the President, directed through the Regional Administrator (RA) of the appropriate FEMA region. The RA reviews the request and forwards it with a recommendation to the Director of FEMA who, in turn, makes a recommendation to the President. In the aftermath of a significant event causing extensive damage and loss of life, the declaration process may be expedited. The President makes the decision whether to declare a major disaster or emergency. After the initial declaration, the person designated by the Governor as the Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) may request additional areas to be eligible for assistance or for additional types of assistance as deemed necessary. |
