Free Republic

Underserved communities, as well as specific identity groups, often suffer disproportionately from disasters. As a result, disasters worsen inequities already present in society. This cycle compounds the challenges faced by these communities and increases their risk to future disasters. By instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management and striving to meet the unique needs of underserved communities, the emergency management community can work to break this cycle and build a more resilient nation. The importance of equity in emergency management is not a new concept. The Stafford Act requires FEMA assistance be delivered in an equitable manner without discrimination...

FEMA pay puzzles landlord The owner of the Madeira Beach apartments got two checks but never housed Katrina victims. The $6,000 is being returned. By JUSTIN GEORGE Published October 4, 2005 MADEIRA BEACH - Liz Taylor opened her mother's mail last week to find two checks worth nearly $6,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The checks were written to Sandcastle Apartments, owned by Taylor's mother, for housing Hurricane Katrina evacuees. But Sandcastle never housed any evacuees. In fact, the two Madeira Beach units haven't been rented since spring. "I was shocked when they came, and certainly I never considered...