Have you considered that the current tier of disaster response has worked just fine in numerous other disasters that have required FEMA assistance? The main reason that we should keep the current system is very simple. Those closest to the disaster have the most SELF INTEREST in preparing for and responding to that disaster. They have the highest risk from the disaster so they should be willing to take the highest burden in preventing it. They have knowledge of their communities strengths and weaknesses and are can best apply that knowledge to disaster planning and prevention.
It is human nature that I am going to make a better effort to care for my own than I am for others.
Compare it to fire safety. We do the most we can to prevent a fire in our home. We are the ones who practice fire prevention. We prepare for if there ever is a fire. And we make sure our family is safe if fire strikes. The fire department's role is mainly reactive. Our role since it is our family, our home is mostly proactive.
I am in no hurry to have those with less personal interest in my loss be the ones charged with first response.
Being "reactive" is the biggest part of this whole situation with government. Government 'reacts' it is NOT by nature PROACTIVE. Police, fire, EMS all are mainly 'reactive' forces, as is FEMA.