ABSTRACT
Disaster response in the United States traditionally has been handled by state and local governments, with the federal government playing a supporting role. Limits on the federal government’s role in disaster response are deeply rooted in American tradition. State and local governments—who know the unique requirements of their citizens and geography and are best positioned to respond to incidents in their own jurisdictions—will always play a large role in disaster response. The federal government’s supporting role respects these practical points and the sovereignty of the states as well as the power of governors to direct activities and coordinate efforts within their states.
