The Stafford Act was significantly criticized by the public, primarily for the fact that while the act set up legal systems allowing the government to provide housing and medical services to displaced citizens it did not require the government to do so. There was also concern that the policy created too many restrictions and limitations for FEMA which would slow the response time to an emergency.
The policy aims to provide a framework for federal and state assistance following an emergency. It details the preventative measures suggested to minimize damage during a disaster and to find alternate means of funding, as well as the response goals following a disaster and actions to be taken.
The policy effects vulnerable populations as it deals with those injured, displaced, or otherwise effected by a disaster. While the act doesn’t specifically effect a population that is currently vulnerable, individuals displaced by a disaster are dependent on the help of relief organizations and their community. This leaves them incredibly vulnerable and in need of the support systems detailed in this policy.
The policy addresses the support and funding provided by the federal government to victims of a disaster, including the basic needs such as food, water, and access to health care through responding organizations. This policy focuses on the coordination between responding groups as well as the long term funding and support systems that will be in place to aid survivors with rebuilding.
This policy was created as an amendment to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, in an effort to improve the plans for disaster relief and trigger addition federal help when the president declares a state of emergency. The Stafford Act in turn was amended twice in 2000 and 2006.
Different sections of the policy applies to different groups, the first section focused on disaster preparedness which was directed at state and city governments. The subsequent sections apply to various organizations and government groups that would be working under an interagency task force in the case of an emergency, and the individuals that would be requesting aid or funding after a disaster.
The policy mainly effects first responders while responding to an emergency. The chain of command detailed places organizations under an interagency task force to ensure that resources are distributed to all areas in need. This would affect first responders who travel to the site of a disaster as part of immediate post-incident response.
Senator Stafford, after whom the act was named, was primarily responsible for the creation of the act, although many other individuals were involved in the writing and editing of the act.