The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is experiencing significant strain due to a high volume of storms and wildfires in 2024. As of early August, FEMA has issued 100 disaster and emergency declarations, encompassing 58 severe storms and flooding events, as well as 42 fires.
This number is approaching the total declarations from last year, which was 114, and significantly surpasses the 90 declarations from 2022. Although still short of the record 315 declarations set in 2020, the agency’s workload is anticipated to increase further with the onset of an active hurricane season and ongoing wildfire threats.
In response to this surge in emergency situations, FEMA has transitioned into “immediate needs funding” mode. This means that new financial commitments that are not essential for lifesaving and life-sustaining activities are being paused.
This shift aims to prioritize resources and manage the growing demand for emergency responses effectively. The current situation highlights the intense pressure on FEMA as it navigates a particularly challenging year for disaster management.
FEMA Faces Record Demand Amid Surge in Storms and Wildfires, Considers New Measures for Extreme Heat
Meanwhile, there is increasing pressure from lawmakers, environmentalists, and labor groups for FEMA to address extreme heat, which has become a prevalent issue in many regions. July saw record-high global temperatures, and there are calls for FEMA to recognize extreme heat events as disasters eligible for federal aid.
Activists and unions, such as the Service Employees International Union, are pushing for better protection for workers facing hazardous heat conditions and advocating for heat-related measures to be included in disaster declarations.
Several legislative proposals are in motion to address extreme heat and improve preparedness. Bills have been introduced to make extreme heat eligible for disaster declarations and to fund programs for better heat preparedness and response.
These initiatives include a measure by Rep. Greg Stanton and Sen. Jacky Rosen, as well as bills from Sen. Edward J. Markey and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici aimed at enhancing federal efforts to combat extreme heat and its impacts.
In addition to legislative efforts, FEMA and other federal agencies are taking proactive steps to enhance community resilience. The Biden administration has allocated $1 billion to community resilience projects, including flood control and infrastructure improvements.
Other investments are being made in the electrical grid and infrastructure to reduce flood damage. FEMA is also seeking additional disaster aid from Congress, with a potential $9 billion request pending to address the anticipated deficit in disaster relief funds by the end of the fiscal year.
