Robert T. Stafford Act

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,
Public Law 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207,

and Related Authorities

UNITED STATES CODE
TITLE 42. THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 68. DISASTER RELIEF

Sec. 201. Federal and State Disaster Preparedness Programs (42 U.S.C. 5131)

1. Utilization of services of other agencies - The President is authorized to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies and includes -

   1. preparation of disaster preparedness plans for mitigation, warning, emergency operations, rehabilitation, and recovery;

   2. training and exercises;

   3. postdisaster critiques and evaluations;

   4. annual review of programs;

   5. coordination of Federal, State, and local preparedness programs;

   6. application of science and technology;

   7. research.

Sec. 611. Detailed Functions or Administration (42 U.S.C. 5196)*

1. In General - In order to carry out the policy described in section 5195 of this title, the Director shall have the authorities provided in this section.

2. Federal Emergency Response Plans and Programs - The Director may prepare Federal response plans and programs for the emergency preparedness of the United States and sponsor and direct such plans and programs. To prepare such plans and programs and coordinate such plans and programs with State efforts, the Director may request such reports on State plans and operations for emergency preparedness as may be necessary to keep the President, Congress, and the States advised of the status of emergency preparedness in the United States.

3. Delegation of emergency preparedness responsibilities - With the approval of the President, the Director may delegate to other departments and agencies of the Federal Government appropriate emergency preparedness responsibilities and review and coordinate the emergency preparedness activities of the departments and agencies with each other and with the activities of the States and neighboring countries.

4. Communications and warnings - The Director may make appropriate provision for necessary emergency preparedness communications and for dissemination of warnings to the civilian population of a hazard.

5. Emergency preparedness measures - The Director may study and develop emergency preparedness measures designed to afford adequate protection of life and property, including -

   1. research and studies as to the best methods of treating the effects of hazards;

   2. developing shelter designs and materials for protective covering or construction;

   3. developing equipment or facilities and effecting the standardization thereof to meet emergency preparedness requirements; and

   4. plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.

6. Training programs -

   1. The Director may -

      1. conduct or arrange, by contract or otherwise, for training programs for the instruction of emergency preparedness officials and other persons in the organization, operation, and techniques of emergency preparedness;

      2. conduct or operate schools or including the payment of travel expenses, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, and the Standardized Government Travel Regulations, and per diem allowances, in lieu of subsistence for trainees in attendance or the furnishing of subsistence and quarters for trainees and instructors on terms prescribed by the Director; and

      3. provide instructors and training aids as necessary.

   2. The terms prescribed by the Director for the payment of travel expenses and per diem allowances authorized by this subsection shall include a provision that such payment shall not exceed one-half of the total cost of such expenses.

   3. The Director may lease real property required for the purpose of carrying out this subsection, but may not acquire fee title to property unless specifically authorized by law.