I have been to countless emergencies and disasters, many of which received a presidential major disaster declaration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been an essential partner in these crises. President Donald Trump should not eliminate FEMA, as he suggested on Jan, 24; instead, he should focus on improving it.

However, before discussing reforms, it is crucial that we all understand FEMA’s actual role so that when we do face a disaster, our expectations align with its intended purpose.

First, all emergencies in the United States are local. Local governments have the primary responsibility for managing emergencies within their jurisdictions.

When their resources are overwhelmed, they can proclaim an emergency and request assistance from the state. In such cases, the governor may proclaim a state emergency and provide support to the local government, typically covering 75% of the costs.

The governor also usually waives certain permitting and contracting regulations. The state may also request FEMA assistance by seeking a presidential major disaster declaration.

At each of these steps, decisions are made about the type of aid to be provided. Most of the time, public assistance is offered.

This typically includes reimbursement for public agencies to conduct debris cleanup, removal and funding for first responders. It may also address impacts on public infrastructure such as roads, water systems, sewage plants and parks.

Generally, this assistance is reimbursed at 75% and provided through grants. It is not designed for private parties; that is the role of private insurance.

In some cases, when a disaster’s impacts are particularly severe, individual assistance may be authorized.

This can include an initial $700 for emergency use, and after applying for additional aid, up to $43,600.

Clearly, this amount offers limited relief, especially for individuals who have lost their homes. People can also apply for Small Business Administration loans to aid in recovery.

It’s important to note that state and federal funding is not intended to replace the responsibilities of insurance companies. While most people have fire insurance, far fewer have flood or earthquake insurance, which is expensive and often comes with payout limits.

This gap in coverage is a significant issue that needs further attention.

Nonprofit organizations, spontaneous volunteers and donors play a crucial role in disaster recovery. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, United Way and numerous faith-based groups have always been instrumental in aiding communities affected by disasters.

During the recent hurricane disaster in the southeastern United States, then-President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration even before the storm made landfall.

Both the hurricane and the wildfires in Los Angeles County received presidential approval for 100% reimbursement — instead of the usual 75% — for debris cleanup, first responders, search-and-rescue efforts, shelters and mass feeding programs.

FEMA workers are not first responders; you won’t see them pulling people out of debris. Instead, FEMA funds and coordinates teams of local, state and federal first responders.

FEMA also collaborates with other federal agencies — such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Transportation and Health & Human Services departments — as well as private contractors to deliver food and water, clear roads, remove mud and handle hazardous materials.

Because all emergencies are local, local governments bear the primary responsibility for planning and executing daily emergency actions and requesting assistance from state and federal authorities, as well as from vital nonprofits.

Ultimately, private property is the responsibility of its owner. Government aid is not intended to rebuild private homes and fully replace what is lost in a disaster.

However, eliminating FEMA would severely weaken the nation’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies, leaving local communities without critical support.

Rather than diminish FEMA, we should focus on strengthening it to ensure faster, more effective disaster relief.