Recovering from natural disasters is slow and bureaucratic. New FEMA rules aim to cut the red tape

By REBECCA SANTANA
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal agency in charge of emergency management is changing its program that helps those who survive wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Federal Emergency Management Agency head Deanne Criswell says the changes are designed to simplify and speed up the process for disaster survivors to get help. Criswell describes it as the “most comprehensive update” to FEMA’s individual assistance program in 20 years. The changes include money for under-insured homeowners, a streamlined application process, and assistance for disaster survivors with disabilities. Former Mexico Beach, Florida, Mayor Al Cathey says he was frustrated by bureaucracy and paperwork after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The rules announced Friday go into effect March 22.