Presidential Disaster Declaration Process

Presidential Disaster Declaration Process

When the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment Team conducts the assessment and makes a determination that the state and local jurisdictions have met their indicators and have information to support a federal request the last six steps of the process take place.  The flowchart at the bottom of the page is explained below:

1. Governor
   1. The Governor, with guidance from state staff, review the damage assessment information and determine if a declaration is need. The state and local jurisdiction need to meet their impact indicators. 
   2. Governor submits a Presidential disaster declaration request to the President through the FEMA Region VIII office.
   3. This must occur within 30 days of the end of the incident period. 
2. FEMA Regional Program Office
   1. The FEMA Regional Office conducts a Stafford Act Program and legal review. 
   2. The regional office makes a Presidential disaster declaration recommendation to the FEMA Regional Administrator.
3. FEMA Regional Administrator
   1. A FEMA Regional Administrator's Validation and Recommendation is submitted. 
   2. The recommendation to FEMA headquarters on issuance of a Presidential disaster declaration occurs.
4. FEMA Headquarters
   1. FEMA headquarters conducts Stafford Act Program and legal review.
   2. FEMA headquarters makes Presidential declaration recommendation to the FEMA Administrator. 
5. FEMA Administrator
   1. FEMA Administrator review the request along with the regional and program recommendations.
   2. Administrator makes recommendation on issuance of a Presidential disaster declaration.
6. President
   1. President reviews the declaration request and recommendations.
   2. President makes a declaration decision authorizing federal disaster assistance.