Sure but what I do not get is when some say that FEMA is a or controlled by the state when FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
oh no, I think I just got confused again!
FEMA has a pretty complex suite of control and submission of it own right. The FEMA website is a better place to get a basic education than what I can compose.
Every year, disasters put millions of Americans in danger and destroy billions of dollars worth of property. But every year, all year, FEMA is on the job helping communities reduce their risk, helping emergency officials prepare for any hazard or helping people get back on their feet after their lives are disrupted by a disaster. FEMA, a federal agency since 1979, became part of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. FEMA's mission within the department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all potential disasters and to manage the federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident whether natural or man-made.About 2,500 full-time employees and nearly 4,000 employees are available on standby status to help after disasters. They work at FEMA headquarters in Washington D.C., at regional and area facilities across the country, at the Mt. Weather Emergency Operations Center and at the FEMA training center in Emmitsburg, Md.
What does FEMA do? Prepares Responds Helps Recover Reduces Risk
Coordinates the Federal Response to Presidentially Declared Disasters
Whether a disaster strikes without warning, such as a tornado or earthquake, or gives advance warning, such as a hurricane, FEMA moves quickly to position staff and supplies and assess what other federal agencies are needed as well.
FEMA does not respond to every disaster that occurs in the U.S. It responds only when a disaster overwhelms a state's resources and the governor requests federal help. Once damage assessments are made, the President may issue a federal disaster declaration, opening the way for the federal government to pay for disaster recovery.
Helps Emergency Managers and the Public Prepare for Disasters
At FEMA's National Emergency Training Center, emergency managers, firefighters and elected officials take courses in planning for emergencies, responding to hazardous materials spills and managing fire services to name only a few. Independent study courses on many topics are available online and satellite broadcasts are aired through the Emergency Education Network.
FEMA also coordinates large-scale exercises to test emergency procedures and planning with other federal agencies and state and local officials.
FEMA educates the public on all-hazards preparedness by offering guidance on the FEMA.gov Web site and helping to promote Ready.gov.
Helps Residents, Businesses Recover
FEMA provides many kinds of direct aid to residents and business owners in declared areas. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest loans ...
http://www.fema.gov/txt/library/thisisfema.txt
http://www.fema.gov/library/femainfo.shtm
I thought of an analogy. You are the homeowner, and you want to do some remodeling. You go to the bank to get some money. In between there is a contractor who will do the work. Do you let the bank tell you how to use the money? The contractor? Or do you want control of the remodeling?
You, the homeowner, are the state of Louisiana. FEMA is the remodeler (a bit, and the bank, a bit), and Uncle Sam is clearly the bank.
FEMA brings the combination of expertise and resources that the state asks for.
Okay, it's not a real good analogy - but maybe it hels see the difference between transferring money and transferring control.